Peel Region getting additional COVID-19 testing centres, adding walk-ins
The Ontario government is ramping up testing in Peel Region by adding walk-ins and assessment centres to tackle the escalating daily COVID-19 case count.
On Monday, Health Minister Christine Elliot announced that the seven-day indicators in several communities in Peel, like Brampton, was the decision to put the region in the Red – Control level on Saturday.
In order to help slow down the spread of the virus in this new red level, the province is establishing three new community-based testing centres in Brampton by Tuesday.
There will also be mobile testing sites, including at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Peel Dufferin Mobile Health Clinic in Brampton, to respond to an increase in localized demand for tests within the community and to provide access to testing in communities where travel is a barrier to getting tested.
In addition, the opening of limited walk-in availability at assessment centres for those who can’t book an appointment online or by phone, as well as implementing seven pharmacies or specimen collection centres over the next two weeks.
“We are working across government and alongside our partners in health care and public health to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Peel Region,” said Elliott. “Our government is focusing public health resources where they are needed the most to protect the individuals, families and workers in Peel Region.”
The province is also enhancing case and contact management by adding up to 70 staff to help with the endeavour.
Elliot also said that 10 public health units across the province with lower case counts are now assisting Peel Region with case investigation.
And to ensure there is sufficient hospital capacity Ontario is investing $42 million for up to 234 new beds at three hospitals and their alternate health facilities in Peel Region.
Over the weekend, Ontario broke it’s daily COVID-19 cases record twice in row. On Saturday, the province reported 1,132 cases, with Sunday breaking that record with 1,328.
Toronto is still in a modified Stage 2, and was originally projected to move into the Orange – Restrict level by November 14.
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