One of the COVID-19 assessment centres in Grey Bruce has expanded operating hours as long-term care homes and retirement homes start to permit limited visitors who have tested negative.
Grey Bruce Health Services advises the mobile assessment centre outside the Owen Sound Regional Hospital is now open Monday to Friday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
All individuals who visit the centre for a test are required to bring and wear a mask or face covering.
“With the recent provincial announcement that long-term care and retirement homes can permit visitors who test negative for COVID-19, the demand for testing has increased,” a statement from the hospital organization explains.
Grey Bruce Health Services says about 430 tests have been conducted at the Owen Sound Assessment Centre in the past week. The hospital organization says this has had a significant impact on wait times, and the expanded hours will allow staff to accomodate more people.
Appointments are not currently required at the Owen Sound COVID-19 Assessment Centre.
GBHS says options for scheduled appointment are being planned for the near future.
The current turn-around time for test results is about three to five days. GBHS staff will contact anyone who tests positive. Results are also made available online here.
Hanover and Kincardine also have COVID-19 assessment centres. The current hours of operation for the one at the Hanover and District Hospital 12:30 p.m to 4:30 p.m. daily. The centre at the South Bruce Grey Health Centre Kincarcine site is open from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.