North Bay hospital reducing COVID-19 PCR testing next week
The North Bay Regional Health Centre is going to be reducing COVID-19 PCR testing starting Monday, Nov. 14.
In a social media post Friday, the hospital said it will no longer be offering COVID-19 swabbing.
“This realignment and reduction of COVID-19 PCR testing is reflective of our new reality, vaccination rates and the effectiveness of home Rapid Antigen Testing,” the hospital wrote.
However, testing will continue for surgery patients requiring a PCR before an operation at Health Sciences North, anyone who calls and identifies as immune compromised either due to a medical condition and/or immune suppressant medications and First Nations residents or individuals working/travelling to a reserve.
“If you have been exposed to COVID-19, have symptoms, or for screening purposes, take the COVID-19 self-assessment for recommendations and next steps,” the hospital said.
The hospital is urging the public not to come to its emergency department for a COVID-19 test as its main focus is on providing emergency care to the community.
If you have concerns about your symptoms, contact your doctor, health care provider or Telehealth for more information and guidance.
If you develop severe symptoms requiring medical attention, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, call 911.
Doctor assessments and antiviral treatment will still be available for high-risk individuals. Tests for travel can be booked here.
“High-risk individuals with COVID-19 compatible symptoms for less than seven days and a positive Rapid Antigen Test for COVID-19 should call the COVID Centre to determine eligibility for antiviral treatment,” the hospital stated.
Walk-ins are not accepted at this time and patients with severe symptoms should still go to the emergency department or call 911.
The COVID Centre can be reached at 705-475-8600, ext. 4110.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
NEW 'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.