HUNTSVILLE KEEPS PART-TIME COVID TESTING IN TOWN

HUNTSVILLE — As demand for COVID testing ramps up across the country, Huntsville’s political efforts to keep at least part-time testing in town has paid off.

The District’s Muskoka Paramedic Services, Huntsville physicians and the Town of Huntsville have united together to keep the Assessment Centre, which closed a permanent site at the hospital two weeks ago.

As of Sept. 18 it will offer COVID-19 testing and assessments for anyone displaying symptoms or who believes a test is required at the Huntsville Active Living Centre every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

It is located behind the arena, at the Summit Centre next to Huntsville High School on West Street.

In a town release this afternoon, it says Mayor Karin Terziano and council expressed “gratitude for the opening of this centre.”

“Council and I are extremely grateful to the District’s Muskoka Paramedic Services and Huntsville’s physicians for working with the town to provide this service within our community. We recognize that travel can sometimes be a challenge, therefore this location will assist individuals in our community with easier access to COVID-19 testing when they need it most.”

The Huntsville COVID-19 Assessment Centre location does not require an appointment. Anyone displaying symptoms who would like to be tested, can be tested during the scheduled hours of operation.

Muskoka only permanent testing site is located behind the hospital in Bracebridge.

How to attend the Assessment Centre:

• No appointment is necessary
• Follow signs towards Huntsville Active Living Centre located at 20 Park Drive (attached to Canada Summit Centre)
• Please bring your health card, name of your doctor or nurse practitioner if you have one and face mask
• There are no inside washroom facilities available for public use.
• Depending on weather the centre may be offered in a drive-through format
• If the centre is indoors, please enter through the appropriate signed entry that is marked for those who are “COVID-19 Symptomatic” (if you have symptoms and need a medical assessment) or “asymptomatic “(if you have no symptoms but would like a test)
• Please keep a 2m distance from others while waiting in line
• Please do not bring other friends or family members unless they are being tested or you need assistance

Who Should Attend:

• You are concerned you may have COVID-19
• You are concerned you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 at your work, school, etc.
• You are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and need a medical assessment
• You require a test to visit someone in long-term care or a retirement home, to attend school or an appointment, etc.

The centre will do their best to see you as quickly as possible.

Staff may take a short break mid-day. Please allow yourself enough time to accommodate any wait periods.

Test result timelines cannot be guaranteed with average result period being from 2-6 days, and up to 14 days.