Journal staff
All COVID, Cold and Flu Care Clinics in Sarnia-Lambton are closing after today, officials have announced.
“Due to decreases in instances of COVID-19, the COVID, Cold and Flu Care Clinics (CCFCC) in Sarnia-Lambton will be closing,” the Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Team (OHT) stated in a news release, issued Friday. "The last day of operation for COVID-19 testing and respiratory assessments will be Friday, March 31, 2023."
Provincial funding for the CCFCC's across Ontario ended, as of March 31, the Health Team confirmed.
for the The centres affected include Twin Bridges CCFCC, Rapids Family Health Team CCFCC, Rural CCFCC (Wyoming Wellness Centre) and Grand Bend CCFCC.
“As we close CCFCCs in Sarnia-Lambton, a huge thank you is extended to our community partners, and to all of the staff, nurse practitioners and physicians that worked tirelessly to provide this crucial service,” said Paula Reaume-Zimmer, vice-chair, Sarnia-Lambton OHT collaboration council and president & CEO, Bluewater Health.
COVID-19 testing and assessment has been available in Sarnia-Lambton since March of 2020, initially with testing only and eventually expanding in December 2022 to providing full assessments for anyone with COVID, cold and flu-like illness.
The centres also ensured access to anti-viral treatments.
To date over 111,770 PCR tests and over 7,371 clinical assessments have been completed in Sarnia-Lambton.
"The contributions these teams have made to the quality of our local health system during the pandemic has been outstanding,” said Kathy Bresett, Chair, Sarnia-Lambton OHT Collaboration Council and Executive Director, North Lambton Community Health Center.
For patients seeking COVID-19 assessment, testing or antiviral treatment after March 31, 2023:
- Contact your Primary Care Provider; or
Visit Ontario’s COVID-19 web page (www.ontario.ca/covid19) to find a local pharmacy who offers COVID19 testing and treatment.
“Residents of Sarnia-Lambton are encouraged to continue taking actions to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, including masking in public spaces, keeping up-to-date with vaccinations, washing their hands and staying home when sick (unless seeking medical care),” a news release added.
Rapids Family Health Team and Wyoming Wellness Center will continue to provide additional access for Primary Care assessment by appointment only.