Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark has announced a three-part strategy to increase COVID-19 testing availability across the region.
- Providing testing in Kemptville as the first phase of establishing a full assessment centre in the community.
- Increased hours of operation and adding additional staff at the Brockville assessment centre to expand capacity.
- Creating a community paramedic mobile testing program that will allow for pop-up testing in municipalities throughout Leeds and Grenville.
Clarks says he recognizes the challenges the increased demand for testing has caused for families, individuals and staff working tirelessly in local assessment centres. He adds 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. 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.”
Clarks says he’s pleased that community partners have stepped up in response to develop this strategy to increase capacity and that the government is providing the funding to make it happen.