COVID-19 testing sites in Waterloo Region prepare for higher demand ahead of school year
Waterloo Region’s hospital-run COVID-19 testing sites are preparing for a surge in demand this fall as students head back to the classroom.
At the St. Mary’s General Hospital testing clinic, staff say they have enough personal protective equipment and healthcare staff on hand to accommodate an increase in tests.
While the province has trimmed down the list of COVID-19 symptoms that would require children to stay home from school, the clinic is still expecting a rise in visits.
“We might possibly see entire classes coming for testing,” said Susanne Kish, manager of St. Mary’s General Hospital testing clinic.
The focus is on students who aren’t eligible for a vaccine because of their age.
“We have concerns about children 12 and under who will be attending school and with the symptoms they may incur, we need to be ready to do testing for that population,” said Kish.
In anticipation of having younger visitors at the site more regularly, St. Mary’s is one of the clinics in the region that is using a less-invasive swab to help ease anxiety.
“One of the initiatives we have started is using our nasal buccal swab. It’s a much less invasive swab. It’s very handy for children who come through and those that are a little nervous of the swab,” Kish said. “This (test) takes the same amount of time.”
Regardless of which test someone gets at the St. Mary’s site, they can expect their results back within two to seven days.
Walk-ins are also welcome at the clinic to help alleviate some pressure, ahead of the expected September surge.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.