Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark announced today a three-part strategy to increase the availability of COVID-19 testing across the region.
“With the return to school and continued reopening of our economy, I recognize the challenges the increased demand for testing has caused for families and individuals as well as the incredible staff working tirelessly in our local assessment centre,” he said. “I’m so pleased that our community partners have stepped up in response to develop this strategy to increase capacity and that our government is providing the funding to make it happen.”
The MPP said the steps being taken to increase testing capacity include providing testing in Kemptville, as the first phase of establishing a full assessment centre in the community. There will also be increased hours of operation and additional staff at the Brockville assessment centre to expand capacity. Creating a community paramedic mobile testing program will allow for pop-up testing in municipalities throughout Leeds and Grenville.
Steve Clark said the expanded testing capacity will ease wait times, relieve pressure on assessment centre staff, and ensure people are able to get the COVID-19 tests they need.
“I’ve heard from parents frustrated by lengthy waits to get their children tested so they can return to school and I understand their concerns,” he said. “I’m confident that with the support of community partners like our primary care providers, hospitals, health unit, paramedics and municipalities, including North Grenville, along with funding from our government, we’ll be able to meet local demand for COVID-19 testing.”
