COVID-19 testing now available at KCHC

A new satellite location for COVID-19 testing is available at the Kingston Community Health Center (KCHC) at 263 Weller Avenue.

This testing site, a partnership of KFLA Public Health, KHSC and KCHC, is intended to increase access to testing for those individuals living in the geographic community around the health centre as well as those who may be more comfortable seeking services from KCHC than from other providers, according to a release from KCHC, dated Monday, Dec. 7, 2020.

“KCHC is pleased to be able to offer COVID-19 testing in a friendly and welcoming setting in the Rideau Heights neighbourhood. Making testing accessible to all individuals is such an important part of limiting the spread of this virus in our communities,” says Dr. Mary Rowland, a family physician at KCHC’s Weller site.

Mike Bell, CEO of Kingston Community Health Centres adds: “We now know that COVID has a disproportionate impact on those who live in dense housing conditions, as well as those who are precariously employed. Bringing testing to the neighbourhood level will help many of our clients. I’m proud of our team for their work in getting this going, and grateful to the staff at KHSC and KFLA Public Health for their support and guidance every step of the way.”

Testing is offered on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m., according to the release. Appointments can be booked online or by phone, and details can be found on their website: https://kchc.ca/covid-19-updates/. KCHC says walk-ins will also be accommodated.

Who is eligible for testing?

This testing is intended for people who live in the area around KCHC’s Weller site and/or use KCHC’s services. 

Please note:

KCHC is a test-only site and are not able to offer medical assessments. If an individual needs to see a physician for their symptoms, they should book an appointment at the Beechgrove Assessment Centre or visit the emergency department.

As at the primary KHSC Assessment Centre, people should seek testing if they:

• Are showing COVID-19 symptoms: fever (temperature of 37.8C or greater,) new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, runny nose, or nasal congestion, (in absence of underlying reason for these symptoms such as seasonal allergies, post nasal drip, etc.), new smell or taste disorder;
• Have been exposed to a confirmed case of the virus, as informed by the Public Health Unit or exposure notification through the COVID Alert app;
• Are a resident or if you work in a setting that has a COVID-19 outbreak, as identified and informed by the Public Health Unit; and
• Are eligible for testing as part of a targeted testing initiative directed by the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Long-Term Care.

KCHC say they are excited about this joint initiative and glad to have the opportunity to play an important role in limiting the spread of COVID-19 in Kingston.