GUELPH – On Monday (April 6) the Guelph COVID-19 assessment centre on Delhi Street will be moving to the Victoria Road Recreation Centre.
“This new location … is a key part of preparing our city for the next phase of the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health with Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH).
“The ability to quickly and efficiently see visitors combined with the ability to rapidly scale up clinic operations are important factors in effectively managing our response to COVID-19 as the situation continues to evolve.”
The current assessment clinic at 65 Delhi Street, will close at 4pm on Sunday (April 5) and the new location will open Monday morning at 151 Victoria Road North in Guelph. The new location will still be open from 8am to 8pm, seven days per week.
Officials say that in addition to increased capacity, the new site will provide better accessibility and parking.
“The Guelph General Hospital and the Guelph Family Health Team have been operating the assessment clinic on Delhi Street since early March and have assessed 826 individuals and tested 321,” said Marianne Walker, CEO of Guelph General Hospital.
“I have every confidence that the new assessment centre will assist many more residents in a timely and clinically safe manner.”
As of April 2, there are 27 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Guelph, 16 in Dufferin County and seven in Wellington County
“To stay well, stay home,” Mercer advises. “To slow the spread and help the health care system you should only go out for essential reasons, including daily exercise or walking your pet.”
Health officials say individuals should not visit an assessment centre unless they have symptoms. If symptoms are mild, individuals should stay home and self-isolate. For moderate symptoms including fever, cough or shortness of breath, individuals should call their physician and follow their directions. For severe symptoms, individuals should visit their nearest emergency room or call 911 immediately.
If sent to an assessment clinic, patients will be seen by a clinician who will provide further instruction. Masks and hand sanitizer will be provided for patients upon arrival. Individuals should be aware that depending on their recent travel history and symptoms, healthcare personal may advise self-isolation without administering a test.
