Barrie’s lone COVID-19 assessment testing centre on Huronia Road has seen attendance numbers remain steady since opening a month ago.
The centre opened March 16 to assist with anyone feeling the symptoms of coronavirus.
While more than 100 people showed up the first day, and even more the next, the centre has seen numbers remain at around 50 to 70 each day since, according to Christine Colcy, chief executive officer at the Barrie Community Health Centre.
“The numbers have been consistent and steady for the last several weeks, between 50 and 70. Regardless of the time, there is little to no wait time to be assessed by a physician,” Colcy said.
The local assessment centre, located at 490 Huronia Rd., is a partnership between the Barrie Community Health Centre, Barrie and Community Family Medicine Clinics, Barrie and Community Family Health Team, Huronia Urgent Care Clinic, County of Simcoe, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, and Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH).
The centre now does COVID-19 testing, such as swabs, as well as screening each person for symptoms.
Colcy said the assessment centre has received positive feedback with regard to patient experience, safety and efficiency of test follow-up.
“The current criteria still requires an individual to exhibit symptoms in order to be tested. What we have learned is that some symptoms can be atypical,” said Colcy. “If you are unsure and concerned about your symptoms, we would encourage you to consider being assessed at the centre.
"Clinicians are able to determine if a patient meets the criteria for being tested for COVID-19," she added.
The province loosened the testing criteria last week to allow more people to be tested with fewer symptoms, provided the assessment centres have the capacity to do so.
