Assessment centre continues to see dozens for testing

Midland assessment centre has tested 864 visitors in the last nine days.

According to numbers shared by a hospital official, the highest number of residents were tested on July 8 alone, when 139 swabs were administered in one day.

The second-highest number of visitors was on Canada Day when 115 visitors were tested. A couple days later, 113 tests were administered.

Hospital spokesperson Jennifer Moore said she couldn't share a particular reason for why there was an increase in numbers on those particular days, but added that the testing centre has been seeing more people overall.

The testing centre, which operates four days a week, has been seeing people steadily since it opened on March 24. More recently, the numbers have been in the double digits with the once-a-week jump into the hundreds. 

The centre, which is located at 845 King St. in Midland, is staffed by nurses from Georgian Bay General Hospital, and volunteers and staff from Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Chigamik Community Health Centre, Wendat Community Programs and the South Georgian Bay Community Health Centre.

In all, the assessment centre has seen 2,846 visitors, of which 2,805 have been tested, while 41 were screened only. Due to expanded testing, the screening step has been excluded and those who book an appointment are being tested straightaway.

People are encouraged to call the assessment centre at (705) 529-1025 to book an appointment to be tested.

The assessment call centre, which schedules appointments, is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. till 8 p.m. The call centre will provide individuals a booked appointment upon request, ensuring that the safety of the public and staff can be maintained through physical distancing.