It’s going to be another busy day at Barrie’s first COVID-19 assessment centre.
It opened yesterday at the back of the complex at 490 Huronia Road and had a line-up all the way around the building.
Officials say some patients were advised to visit the emergency room at RVH, self-isolate or self-monitor for symptoms of the virus at home.
The assessment centre will be open from 8am-8pm today.
However, officials want to remind residents:
- It is NOT a walk in clinic
- It is ONLY for assessment of COVID-19 – but this does NOT include the swab test – the swab test is NOT needed for those with mild symptoms –which at this time is the majority of people seeking treatment/assessment
- Patients who are assessed, and deemed at high risk for COVID-19 will be re-directed to RVH Emergency department for the next assessment, which would likely include a swab; this is expedited in a designated area
- Physicians at the assessment centre WILL NOT be providing ‘return to work’ notes – that is not the function of this clinic. They will provide instructions to patients to either self-monitor, or self-isolate based on that assessment
- Physicians at this clinic will not be writing prescriptions
- Please remind people to DRESS WARMLY / APPROPRIATELY as some of the wait may be outside of the building to ensure appropriate social distancing
- Walk-in clinics in Barrie are temporarily closed as health workers are being redirected to work at assessment centres across the city.
Anyone experiencing the following symptoms is asked to go directly to the nearest emergency department:
- extreme difficulty breathing
- severe abdominal pain
- severe chest pain
- severe allergic reaction / throat closing
- severe emotional distress / hallucinations
Officials also advise residents to use the Self-Assessment Tool, before seeking medical help.