Osler opens new drive-thru COVID-19 assessment centre in north Etobicoke

With cases of COVID-19 on the rise locally and across the province, William Osler Health System (Osler) is taking further steps to support the health and safety of its community through expanded testing. Osler has opened a new Drive-Thru COVID-19 assessment centre in Etobicoke to test those who have possible COVID-19 symptoms.

The Etobicoke Drive-Thru COVID-19 Assessment Centre allows people who meet the criteria to remain in their cars for safe, confidential and convenient assessment and testing. The innovative drive-thru model also protects the health and safety of hospital staff working at the centre. Individuals without cars are also able to access the centre through a separate walk-in assessment and testing area.

Located near Etobicoke General Hospital in the Humber College overflow parking lot off Queen’s Plate Drive at Highway 27, the assessment centre is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., seven days a week.

“Osler continues to respond dynamically to meet the community’s growing COVID-19 needs, and the drive-thru assessment centre supports our ongoing efforts to minimize the risk of this virus spreading through early detection,” said Kiki Ferrari, Executive Vice President, Clinical Operations, William Osler Health System. “Osler is focused on ensuring the health and safety of patients, their families, our staff, physicians, volunteers, and the community, and opening a safe and convenient assessment centre for the Etobicoke community is a priority for the hospital.”

The Etobicoke Drive-Thru Assessment Centre will test as many people as possible who meet the criteria for COVID-19 assessment. These include:

• Mild symptoms of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection/Flu-like Illness and any of the following:
  
  • Fever greater than or equal to 38 degrees Celsius
  • Underlying immunocompromised patients (e.g., Chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS, Dialysis)
  • Over 60 years of age
  • Referred by public health due to contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19
  • Health care workers or first responders (prioritized)

Patients who are tested for COVID-19 will receive direction regarding the next steps in their care. Those who do not meet the criteria for assessment will be asked to self-monitor their symptoms, self-isolate at home, and seek further care should their symptoms change.

What do I need to know about the assessment centre?

• Anyone without a car who is seeking COVID-19 assessment and testing may walk into the centre and be directed to a separate, safe area away from cars.
• No physician referral is needed. Wait times for assessment and testing will vary based on the number of cars at the assessment centre. If the parking lot is full, people will be asked to return the next day. Assessment and testing takes about 10 minutes.
• Everyone assessed will be provided with instructions about the next steps.