The COVID-19 Assessment Centre at the Owen Sound Hospital is now offering patients the opportunity to call in and book an appointment for testing.
A media release says the Centre will continue to accept patients who arrive without an appointment, but given the high volume of patients, appointments are being offered to help better manage wait times.
GBHS President and CEO, Gary Sims says the hospital has seen a significant increase in people coming to get tested so they can visit a long-term care home.
He says pre-booking an appointment will be more convenient for the public and for the flow of traffic in and out of the Assessment Centre.
The Assessment Centre is open Monday to Friday from 12 to 8 p.m.
The Centre is also open on Canada Day.
Patients going to the Centre must wear a mask or face covering.
Referrals are not required, and those with symptoms of COVID-19, and without, will be offered a test. The actual test takes only a few minutes.
The test results take 3-5 days, and are available online at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/index.html.
Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will be called by GBHS staff, and will also be contacted by Public Health for follow-up instructions.
The hospital says an online booking system is in development, and details will be announced shortly.
In the meantime, to book an appointment at the GBHS COVID-19 Assessment Centre, please call 519-378-1466. This line is answered Monday to Friday, from 12 noon to 4 p.m.