The Midland COVID-19 assessment centre, which is now in its fifth week of operation, is seeing a steady stream of people looking to be tested for COVID-19.
The highest number of screenings and swabbings, to date, occurred last Wednesday.
The numbers provided by Jennifer Moore, Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) spokesperson, indicate that 44 people were swabbed on Wednesday, April 22. Last week began with 21 people being screened and then swabbed. On Friday, 23 people were screened and then swabbed.
The inflow of visitors to the assessment centre eased a bit on Saturday, April 25, with only five people being screened and then swabbed.
By 3:30 p.m., on Monday, April 27, staff at the assessment centre had already swabbed 13 people.
All those screened during these days were also swabbed.
The assessment centre located on 845 King St. in Midland opened on March 25 and has seen a total of 358 people since then.
Out of those, 41 were screened only and 317 were swabbed after being screened. The swabbing is, essentially, a test to see if someone is positive for the coronavirus.
The number of hospital staff helping with the assessment centre, remains the same at 65. Staff is made up of GBGH volunteer nurses. Waypoint staff and Chigamik Community Health Centre volunteers, who help as greeters and with administrative matters on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays are also continuing at their positions.
In an earlier media release from the hospital, it was noted a screening tool will always be used to determine if you should be seen at the centre. The assessment centre booking desk is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be reached at 705-529-1025.
For updates on COVID-19 updates, visit the GBGH website.
Call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 to be assessed by a nurse at the assessment centre. The nurse can make a clinical determination if a test is required. If a test is required, you will be swabbed and the sample sent for processing. You will then be given instructions on how to self-isolate at home.
