Ottawa's new assessment centre tests 232 people tested for COVID-19



(CTV OTTAWA) -- It was a busy first day for Ottawa's COVID-19 Community Assessment Centre at Brewer Arena, with 232 people tested for COVID-19. 

The COVID-19 testing facility at 151 Brewer Way opened at 12 p.m. Friday. It will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

There have been three confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ottawa so far.

The Ottawa Hospital says 372 people were registered and assessed on the first day of operations at the clinic. 232 of the patients received the full test for novel coronavirus.

"When you come to an assessment centre you're going to be asked some specific questions about your symptoms, they'll be an examination and your history will be reviewed," said Dr. Andrew Willmore of the Ottawa Hospital.

"Not everybody got swabbed because not everybody met criteria. I think it's really important for the public to know that if you come to an assessment centre, you don't necessarily get swabbed. It's only for those individuals of higher risk of contracting the coronavirus."

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Vera Etches says the Community Assessment Centre is opening to help increase capacity, and take pressure off emergency departments.

“It is important at this time to increase options for people to be tested for COVID-19 out of hospital."


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