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Ford’s plea for everyone to “go get tested” a surprise to local health officials

Troy Shantz Sarnia-Lambton can’t yet accommodate Premier Doug Ford’s directive for all Ontarians to get tested for COVID-19, a local health official says.
Lambton Public Health
Lambton Public Health

Troy Shantz

Sarnia-Lambton can’t yet accommodate Premier Doug Ford’s directive for all Ontarians to get tested for COVID-19, a local health official says.

In a rare Sunday announcement, Ford urged all concerned resident of the province, with or without symptoms, to get tested for the virus.

"If you feel you need a test, you'll be able to get a test. So please don't wait,” he said.

But Lambton’s Medical Officer of Health said local officials are not yet equipped for that and expressed concern about the announcement.

“The (COVID-19) assessment centre will have to ramp up to figure out how they can do that,” Dr. Sudit Ranade told a media conference call today.

“We have to build a process around it, and as soon as that process is built, then we can communicate that out.”

Ford’s announcement marked the first time he has told people without symptoms they can get tested.

Ranade said a sudden surge in requests could see people already infected with the novel coronavirus congregate with others who aren’t, leading to additional cases.

It’s important people showing symptoms are prioritized for testing, he said, adding Lambton Public Health will begin working on a plan today.

“I think the implementation of announcements is challenging if it’s not backed up by a plan,” he said.

“We do sometimes get caught in that situation (with the provincial government). It’s not just with COVID, it’s with a lot of other things.”


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