THUNDER BAY — A new requirement from the province's health ministry means the COVID-19 assessment centre that opens Monday at Confederation College is no longer a walk-in service.
On Friday, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre announced that the centre for student and school-related testing would schedule appointments immediately for walk-in clients on a first-come, first-served basis.
That has now changed, however, in accordance with revised directions from the ministry.
The hospital announced Monday morning that appointments must now be scheduled in advance.
Appointments can be booked by visiting www.tbrhsc.net and clicking on "Student and School Related Testing" or by calling 807-935-8100.
The centre is located in Confederation College's Sibley Hall Residence Activity Room.
It's designed to improve access to COVID-19 testing only for symptomatic students, parents and families, teachers, and other school personnel including bus drivers.
The centre is expected to serve 150 clients a day.
All other community members must visit www.tbrhsc.net or call 807-935-8100 to secure an appointment at the COVID-19 assessment centre at the hospital, or an alternative testing option, as appropriate.
The centre at the hospital provides testing to those experiencing symptoms, vulnerable populations, and individuals identified as having been exposed to COVID-19.
People who do not fit into these groups and who have no symptoms or specific risk factors for COVID-19 are not considered to require testing, and will not be seen at either assessment centre.
