The COVID-19 Assessment Centre, established by Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is now operational.
However, you are asked to only visit the centre if you have been directed by the Thunder Bay Health Unit or Telehealth Ontario to attend it.
“I must stress the importance of ensuring the Assessment Centre is available to those who truly need it,” said Dr. Stewart Kennedy, who is leading the Hospital’s COVID-19 Incident Management System. “People who have not been specifically told to visit the Assessment Centre by an appropriate source will be redirected. This is for everyone’s health and safety.”
The Assessment Centre is located on-site outside of the Hospital’s Emergency Department. Because the Assessment Centre is a separate space, it reduces the risk of infection spread and eases pressure on the Emergency Department. Assessments for COVID-19 symptoms will be conducted by nurses. Recommendations regarding patient self-monitoring, self-isolation and/or treatment will be determined following the assessment.
The need to perform COVID-19 swab testing will be determined by strict medical directives.
People who are not symptomatic do not require a visit to the Assessment Centre. Anyone attending the Assessment Centre without COVID-19 symptoms will be redirected as appropriate.
As per the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, COVID-19 symptoms range from mild – like the flu and other common respiratory infections – to severe, and can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
Those who have travelled outside of Canada or believe they have come into contact with, or have symptoms of COVID-19, are to self-isolate and call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-212-2272, or TBDHU at 625-5900 or 1-888-294-6630 for instruction.
More information is available HERE and HERE.
You can take a self-assessment for COVID-19 HERE.
There are currently no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Thunder Bay. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is urging you to self-isolate for 14 days if you have been out of the country. Authorities are also urging you to get your news on COVID-19 from credible news sources and that the Health Unit will be confirming any cases which show up in the district.
Screening protocols are also taking place at all city-run and private long term care facilities.
Public and Catholic schools in Thunder Bay will be closed until at least April 5th. Confederation College and Lakehead University have suspended classes this week in order to formulate an online learning plan for students.
