COVID-19 assessment clinics in Guelph and Stratford close today
More COVID-19 assessment clinics are closing due to a decrease in demand.
Clinics in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph and Huron-Perth officially shut their doors today.
The clinic in Waterloo region closed last week.
Public health is directing people in need of assessment to the traditional resources available for people who are ill – urgent care clinics, family doctors and pharmacies.
"Anyone that needs a COVID assessment should reach out to their family doctor and if they need a COVID swab, their family physician can do an assessment or they can go to a local pharmacy that provides the swabbing," Lori Merner, director of patient care for the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance, said.
Dr. Sharon Bal said after a week without the COVID clinic, they have not seen much of a change.
“Primary care offices are often the place where we navigate the system, we might see an uptick though for those who are familiar with the system,” Dr. Sal said.
Dr. Bal said it’s time to shift to a new model and she suggests people use the healthcare resources where they are needed.
“it makes sense for people to go back to the hospitals and in the community If that’s where we are needed more,” Dr. Bal said. “When respiratory viruses were really high and we were dealing with the winter and so much stress with on health and human resources, we really wanted to take the pressure off community clinics and the emergency department but at the end of the day now where we are, it probably is appropriate to bring it back to the community.”
LOCAL PHARMACIST REACTS
Kitchener pharmacist Vishal Acharya said pharmacies have not been given much direction from public health on how they can assist their efforts but she said she’s happy to help.
“Pharmacists have been stepping up since this whole pandemic started, so it’s just another thing we can help out with,” said Acharya with Lancaster Wellness Pharmacy.
Acharya said patients should always call ahead before coming in to avoid the spread of airborne illness.
“I think most patients are now aware not to go out if they have symptoms,” she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.