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Ford said ‘just show up’ at COVID-19 assessment centres: Not so fast, says HSN

No one who is concerned they may have been exposed will be declined a test
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(File)

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced over the weekend that anyone in the province can get tested for COVID-19, regardless of whether they have symptoms, and they should “just show up” at an assessment centre.

“If you are worried you have COVID-19, or that you’ve been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, even if you’re not showing symptoms, please go get a test,” Ford said during a televised speech on Sunday.

“You will not be turned away, you don’t need an appointment, just show up.”

However, Health Sciences North said all three COVID-19 assessment centres here in Greater Sudbury are by appointment only.

Hospital spokesperson Jason Turnbull said the assessment centres are designed to protect health workers and patients alike from being exposed to the virus. For safety reasons, “walk in” appointments are strictly prohibited.

HSN said patients will first be screened by a nurse over the telephone and then referred to an assessment centre for testing.

On its website, Health Sciences North said it has capacity to test hundreds of more people for COVID-19.

HSN said no one who is symptomatic for COVID-19 or who is concerned they have been exposed to COVID-19 will be declined a test.

Beyond those who are symptomatic, testing is also available for the following populations, said HSN: 

  • People who are concerned that they have been exposed to COVID-19. This includes people who are contacts of or may have been exposed to a confirmed or suspected case. 
  • People who are at risk of exposure to COVID-19 through their employment, including essential workers (e.g., health care workers, grocery store employees, food processing plants). 

In case you’re wondering about the symptoms of COVID-19, here’s a list:

  • Fever or chills
  • Shortness of breath *If you are having difficulty breathing or experiencing other severe symptoms, call 911 immediately. Advise them of your symptoms and travel history.
  • Sore throat
  • New onset or worsening cough
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Loss of taste or sense of smell
  • Runny nose or nasal congestion (not due to seasonal allergies)
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain.
  • Muscle aches, unexplained fatigue, malaise (general feeling of discomfort, weakness, or illness that has recently developed)
  • Headache
  • Croup or “barking” cough
  • Pink eye

Testing is available at HSN's three assessment centres between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., seven days a week. Phone 705-671-7373.

Here’s a list of the local assessment centres:

  • COVID-19 Assessment Centre, 56 Walford Rd., with drive-through testing option;
  • NEOMO Medical, 885 Prete St., with drive-through testing option;
  • Primacy Medical Centre, 1485 Lasalle Blvd,, with drive-through testing option

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