Journal Staff
COVID-19 tests are now available for all residents of Sarnia-Lambton, whether they are showing symptoms or not.
The announcement was made today by Bluewater Health and Lambton Public Health.
Until now, testing at assessment centres was only available via referral from a health-care provider.
"Through strong local partnerships between public health, the hospital, and community care providers, we are able to expand testing to a greater number of people,” said Dr. Sudit Ranade, Lambton’s Medical Officer of Health.
Testing will be available at the following locations. Calling ahead is preferred.
* SARNIA: Sarnia-Lambton COVID-19 Assessment Centre (French and sign language availability). Twin Bridges Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, 153 Christina St. South, Monday to Thursday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Phone: 226-776-9030
* PETROLIA: The Rural Lambton Covid-19 Assessment Centre (Spanish and Arabic language availability). Central Lambton Family Health Team, 4130 Glenview Rd. Monday to Friday 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Phone: 519-882-2500
* GRAND BEND: Community Assessment Centre, Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre, 69 Main St. E. Monday to Friday 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. (excluding holidays). Phone: 519-238-6478
* INDIGENOUS: Assessment Centres have been established for community members at Walpole Island, Kettle & Stony Point First Nation and Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Bluewater Health said.
* PARAMEDICINE PROGRAM: For people with limited mobility. To access this service, contact the above assessment centres.
“Testing is an important part of an overall strategy to combat COVID that includes public health measures,” Dr. Ranade said. “Please ensure you continue to maintain physical distance, wash your hands frequently and stay home if you are unwell.”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What happens after I get the test?
If you have any symptoms, you need to isolate until you have no symptoms for at least 24 hours. If you don't have symptoms and you have not been told to isolate, please continue to monitor yourself for symptoms.
Can the test tell me if I have ever had COVID-19?
The test can only tell you if you have COVID-19 at the time of the test. The test will not tell you if you had COVID-19 in the past.
How will I find out about the test result?
You can use the online portal, and enter your information to receive your test result. If your test result is positive, you will be contacted by Lambton Public Health for follow-up.
What happens if I have symptoms after I get a test result?
You should get retested if you develop symptoms. Please contact the assessment centre to schedule another test.
- Source: Bluewater Health and Lambton Public Health