Beginning today (May 27), drive-through COVID-19 testing is available at the Kinsmen Civic Centre for Peterborough residents who want to be tested for the disease but who don’t have any symptoms.
Peterborough paramedics will be conducting the testing on a first-come, first-served basis. They will take a specimen using a nasopharyngeal swab and then send it to a public health lab for analysis.
Residents who are driving are asked to stay in their vehicles while waiting to be tested. Those who arrive on foot, by bicycle, or by other means will also be tested, but are asked to maintain appropriate physical distancing.
Testing is available from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. seven days a week. As of Thursday, June 11th, the clinic will operate from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday only and will continue until at least Friday, June 19th.
The Kinsmen Civic Centre is located at 1 Kinsmen Way, just off Sherbrooke Street. Residents are asked to bring their Ontario Health Card.
The drive-through testing is intended for asymptomatic residents only (those without symptoms of COVID-19). Those with symptoms of COVID-19 should book an appointment with the Peterborough Regional Health Centre COVID-19 Assessment Centre by calling 705-876-5086.
While testing is available for anyone who is worried about having been exposed to COVID-19, public health officials also strongly encourage anyone who works in public-facing roles or in close quarters with fellow employees to also get tested.
“We are hoping that anyone who works in a front-line role, such as grocery clerks, factory workers, pharmacy staff and other service providers will take advantage of this opportunity to get tested, even if they are not symptomatic,” says Peterborough medical officer of health Dr. Rosana Salvaterra.
“This will help us identify positive cases early so we can follow up and test their close contacts to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.”
The drive-through testing clinic is a joint effort of Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), Peterborough County-City Paramedics, and Peterborough Public Health, with the City of Peterborough making the Kinsmen Civic Centre available for use.
