KHSC releases updated COVID-19 testing guidelines, new centre opens Saturday
The Ontario government has tightened the criteria for people seeking COVID-19 tests, as long lineups at assessment centres have been observed across the province.
As elementary, secondary and post-secondary schools have reopened, and fall weather sets in, the demand for COVID-19 tests has surged in many parts of Ontario. On Thursday, Sep. 24, 2020, the province amended the testing guidelines, with the stated goal of giving priority to those at greatest risk.
This includes people who:
- are showing COVID-19 symptoms;
- have been exposed to confirmed cases of the virus, as informed by Public Health or the COVID Alert app;
- live or work at the site of a COVID-19 outbreak;
- “are eligible for testing as part of a targeted testing initiative directed by the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Long-Term Care.”
Anyone else should not present for testing.
Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC), which operates the Community Assessment Centre (AC), as well as the Queen’s satellite testing location, is asking the community to note the updated guidelines.
New Community Assessment Centre opens Saturday
The changes take effect as KHSC prepares to move the Community AC from the Leon’s Centre downtown to the Beechgrove Complex, south of the King St. West and Portsmouth Ave. intersection.
KHSC will also run a drive-through test, this weekend only, available at Beechgrove from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Testing will be limited to four people per vehicle.
“Rapid throughput of cars through the testing lanes depends on drive-through clients arriving no sooner than 9 a.m.,” said KHSC. “Please do not line up on roadways beforehand. Preventing traffic congestion on the Beechgrove property and adjacent streets will support the smooth operation of the drive-through process.”
The Community AC operating hours will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at the Beechgrove Complex. KHSC says there are no plans for extended hours on the weekend.