April 16, 2020 - As part of expanding testing provincially, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU), in partnership with the Superior North EMS Community Paramedicine Program, will be conducting COVID-19 testing this weekend at the TBDHU office at 999 Balmoral Street, in Thunder Bay.
This testing will take place on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 2020.
This is part of a time-limited targeted surveillance initiative that is being supported provincially with a focus on Northern Ontario. This program is being put in place to learn more about the spread of the virus and to better understand how current public health measures are working.
“I am encouraging people in the Thunder Bay area who are experiencing symptoms – whether they think they have COVID or not - to call TBDHU and arrange for testing. Even those with mild symptoms will be assessed for an appointment,” says Dr. Janet DeMille, Medical Officer of Health. “This targeted testing will help us understand and better control our local situation.”
COVID-19 symptoms can be mild to severe. Individuals with ANY of the symptoms listed below are encouraged to contact the TBDHU at (807) 625-5900 or 1-888-294-6630 and they will be considered for testing this weekend. The testing will be completed while individuals remain in their vehicle. Further instructions will be provided at the time of booking.
Testing as part of this targeted surveillance is for anyone who has ANY of the following symptoms:
- fever
- cough
- difficulty breathing
- fatigue
- muscles aches
- loss of appetite
- sore throat/hoarse voice
- runny nose
- loss of taste and smell
- diarrhea
Appointments are required for testing. Walk-ins will not be seen. Please DO NOT present yourself at the TBDHU office.
TBDHU is also exploring additional opportunities for similar events in other locations in the future.
Test results are available directly from the provincial laboratory system through an online portal. This Online Portal to access COVID-19 test results was launched on Sunday by the Government of Ontario and offers fast and secure access to test results on a computer or mobile device.
If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, first self-isolate and then use Ontario's Self-Assessment Tool to see if you need to seek further care.
If individuals in self-isolation develop symptoms, they should contact the Thunder Bay District Health Unit at (807) 625-5900 or toll-free: 1-888-294-6630.
For additional information about COVID-19 and the TBDHU area, please see the TBDHU Website and social media channels. Additional updates will also be provided as needed. Visit Ontario's website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
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For more information - Health Unit Media: news@tbdhu.com.