The COVID-19 assessment centre at Southlake Regional Health Centre is located in the ambulance bay next to the emergency department at 596 Davis Dr. in Newmarket.
Its hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.
Southlake has just announced that beginning tomorrow, March 19, it will not accept visitors except under extenuating circumstances. Patients are advised to consult with their care team to confirm about any exceptions to be made. The visitor ban includes the emergency department.
Here’s what you need to know before going to the assessment centre and what you can expect once you get there:
- First, if you think you have symptoms of coronavirus (fever, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath) or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, take this online self-assessment tool developed by Public Health Ontario to help you determine if you need to go to the Southlake assessment centre.
- It’s important to note that not all patients who turn up at the assessment centre will be tested for the virus. Patients will be assessed by a physician who will make the clinical determination if a test is required.
- If you have been advised to visit the assessment centre, go to the main entrance of the emergency department at Southlake. You will be pre-screened there by a nurse who will provide you with further instruction.
- If a test is required, you will be swabbed and the sample will be sent for processing. While awaiting results, patients will be given instructions on how to self-isolate at home.
- You will be informed of your results by the York Region public health unit, and be provided other necessary information.
- How long it takes to get your test results depends on the number of tests being performed, hospital officials say. But York Region public health says results are typically given with five days of being tested. You will be asked to remain at home in self-isolation while waiting for the results.
