April 21, 2020 - COVID-19 testing is available to more residents in The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) region. Everyone who has a symptom possibly related to COVID-19 infection may be eligible for testing.
Increased testing opportunities are available at assessment centers throughout the TBDHU region and through the Superior North EMS Community Paramedicine program.
“With the updated testing guidelines in place, I am again encouraging people in the TBDHU region who are experiencing any symptoms – to call and arrange for testing” says Dr. Janet DeMille, Medical Officer of Health. “Individuals can be referred to assessment centers throughout the District, the Community Paramedicine program or the Drive-Through event that will be hosted at the TBDHU office this weekend.”
TBDHU, in partnership with the Superior North EMS Community Paramedicine Program, will again be conducting COVID-19 drive-through testing this weekend at the TBDHU office at 999 Balmoral Street, in Thunder Bay. This testing will take place on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, 2020.
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. TBDHU staff will assign you into the earliest available appointment and staff will provide you further guidance.
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
Test results are available directly from the provincial laboratory system through an online portal. This Online Portal to access COVID-19 test results provided by the Government of Ontario 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.