Mobile coronavirus testing site arrives at Toronto's Black Creek neighbourhood

Jul 20 2020, 7:01 pm

A COVID-19 mobile testing unit has arrived in the Black Creek neighbourhood in Toronto, for residents to be tested for the virus.

During the July 20 Toronto COVID-19 Briefing, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa confirmed the pop-up testing site.

The location, at the Christian Centre Church at 4545 Jane Street, will open up on Wednesday, July 22 and Friday, July 24. On those days, residents will also be able to get tested without an appointment.

“I would like to extend my thanks once again to our colleagues at Ontario Health for this important initiative,” de Villa said.

According to an interactive map released by the City of Toronto, the Black Creek neighbourhood has had 299 cases of the virus.

Ontario Health confirmed to Daily Hive the collaboration with Toronto Public Health, the Black Creek Community Health Centre and other local community partners.

“This approach enables us to support existing work at local assessment centres related to specific outbreak management and risk-based community surveillance,” they said.

According to Ontario Health, decisions about mobile units are made based on various inputs. These inputs include data and public health information.

Test sites, like the one in the Black Creek neighbourhood, are scheduled where needed.

“Ontario’s agile testing approach is based on evolving needs which are informed by factors like the number and location of cases, the positivity rate of tests, and the rate of contagion, as well as other public health indicators that are being monitored closely,” Ontario Health said to Daily Hive.

The testing centre initially opened last weekend on Saturday, July 18. Residents were able to simply walk in without an appointment to be tested for coronavirus.

 

Irelyne LaveryIrelyne Lavery

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