CONFUSION AS CORONA BARRIE SCREENING OPENS

BARRIE — Confusion reined at the opening this afternoon of the region’s first screening centre as people who lined up in the cold were reminded by one another to keep their social distance.

According to  Jane Cocking, communications spokesperson for RVH “it was evident those waiting for the 2 p.m. opening were not clear, despite our communication efforts, on what was being offered at the clinic.

In a release two hours later, she stressed:

  • It is NOT a walk in clinic
  • It is ONLY for assessment of COVID-19 – but this does NOT include the swab test – the swab test is NOT needed for those with mild symptoms –which at this time is the majority of people seeking treatment/assessment
  • Patients who are assessed, and deemed at high risk for COVID-19 will be re-directed to RVH Emergency department for the next assessment, which would likely include a swab; this is expedited in a designated area
  • Physicians at the assessment centre WILL NOT be providing ‘return to work’ notes – that is not the function of this clinic. They will provide instructions to patients to either self-monitor, or self-isolate based on that assessment.
  • Physicians at this clinic will not be writing prescriptions

Cocking said for the most part, people with symptoms of COVID-19 can and will safely recover at home and the self isolation period is so they don’t pass it along to others

She remind people to dress warmly or appropriately as some of the wait times may be outside of the building to ensure appropriate social distancing.

See MuskokaTODAY.com story on Barrie clinic times here.

People worried about the coronavirus who lined up this afternoon in Barrie seemed confused by what the could expect, said RVH spokesperson Jane Cocking.