The Huron Perth Health Care Alliance has taken steps to reduce wait times for testing for COVID-19.
CEO Andrew Williams said with the number of COVID-19 cases increasing, they've seen a corresponding increase in demand for testing at their drive through Assessment Centre at Stratford General Hospital and that has resulted in longer response times.
“What we've introduced is actually an online booking system," Williams said. "Before we were requiring people to call and they would leave a voice mail and we would call back with them and make an appointment. Now they can go online and actually book appointments directly.”
Williams said with the increased numbers and the return to school, it's understandable that more people want to get tested. They are looking at augmenting their testing staff and increasing hours and they'll do that if it's possible.
“The province has come out and clearly stated that testing should be focusing on those individuals with symptoms, COVID symptoms, those who've been referred by public health as part of contact tracing, or others who've been specifically recommended.”