The Grey-Bruce Health Unit has announced that three COVID-19 assessment centres will be opening in the area.
The assessment centres will help expand hospital capacity to assess and screen patients who have symptoms of COVID-19, and free up Emergency Department resources to continue to safely manage the normal volume of patients. The health unit is reminding residents that anyone not experiencing symptoms should not come to the assessment centres. Even those experiencing mild symptoms are encouraged to stay home and self-isolate. If you are at home and struggling with symptoms, you can go to an assessment centre. If you are experiencing severe illness, go to an emergency room or call 911.
The three locations will be:
Grey Bruce Health Services – Owen Sound Regional Hospital Location: Portable facility just outside the entrance to the Owen Sound Hospital Emergency Department Opening Date: Wednesday, March 18 Hours of Operation: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM, 7 days per week
South Bruce Grey Health Centre – Kincardine Hospital Location: Portable facility located between hospital and medical clinic Opening Date: Thursday, March 19 Hours of Operation:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 7 days per week
Hanover & District Hospital Location: Main entrance to the hospital Opening Date: Thursday, March 19 Hours of Operation: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday
Appointments are not necessary. Patients will be pre-screened and will be asked to wash their hands and put on a mask prior to entry. To reduce risk and traffic within the Centres, only those patients who require assistance will be permitted to bring a support person with them into the facilities.
Following screening at the assessment centres, patients will be sent home to self-isolate and monitor symptoms, unless the patient is critically ill and requires hospitalization. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Most patients experience mild symptoms and recover fully without treatment within two weeks.
