A new testing centre is now open at Hope’s hospital where up to 30 COVID-19 tests can be conducted per day.
Fraser Health announced Monday the creation of a test collection centre to be housed in the Fraser Canyon Hospital’s administration area. The centre, one of 11 in the Fraser Health region, will operate from Monday to Friday, noon to 3:30 p.m. and will provide drive-up and walk-in testing.
“Weather permitting, drive-up test collection services will be provided at eight dedicated parking stalls near the entrance to the administration area,” Fraser Health stated. “Walk-in service for people without vehicles will also be provided indoors by entering through the separate entrance to the administration area.” On days when the weather is bad, only walk-in services will be available.
People who are experiencing symptoms are encouraged to book appointments online before heading to the testing centre. Those who come without an appointment will be accomodated as space allows, the health authority stated.
Testing for COVID-19 was previously done through the hospital’s emergency department. This summer, testing was offered to drivers by driving up to the emergency bay and staying in their vehicle for a test. By September, people were being taken into an isolation room in the emergency department for testing. People being tested were informed within 48 hours if they had tested positive.
According to data from the BC Centre for Disease Control, there were two positive tests for COVID-19 in the Hope health area between January and August of this year. This compared to eight positive tests in the Agassiz-Harrison area and 38 in the Chilliwack area.
Read more: Fraser Health confirms expanded COVID-19 testing services coming
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