School children will no longer be tested at the rapid molecular COVID-19 test site in west London, officials with the Thames Valley Family Health Team (TVFHT) said on Friday.
The move comes just over a week after the site, which operates the Springbank Medical Center at 460 Springbank Dr., began taking appointments for rapid molecular tests, which confirm COVID-19 by detecting the virus’s genetic material. in a liquid sample. taken from a person’s nose or throat by a health professional.
Testing will now be limited to symptomatic and asymptomatic health care workers in primary and community care who need a negative test to return to work, in addition to EMS workers, paramedics, firefighters and police officers, says TVFHT. Additional groups may be added to the eligibility list as resources allow, officials said.
TVFHT officials say the change is a reaction to announcements by the province that it would implement faster antigen tests in public schools and daycare centers as students prepare to return to classes next week, and would limit eligibility. for PCR tests.
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“There have been changes to the testing guidance that guides who we can test at the rapid testing site … it guides the tests that can be done at any of the official testing and assessment centers in Ontario,” said Mike McMahon, director TVFHT executive on Friday. , referring to changes in eligibility.
“We are unable to test school-age children at this time, so counseling is the last word. Until we get a provincial-level testing guideline opening, we will not be able to accept appointment requests for a school-age child.”
As the province’s eligibility changes took effect before the rapid testing site opened last week, no school-age children ended up being tested at the clinic.
“It’s a hub-and-spoke service. The center is in Carling in our region, and we are a radio service that is connected to the Carling Test and Evaluation Center. All guidance is for those provincial resources,” McMahon said.
Those eligible for on-site rapid molecular testing can book appointments Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the region. COVID-19 Testing Portal, or by phone at 519-808-5021.
“We’ve been doing tests every day and even today,” McMahon said. “There is a segment of the community that is benefiting from a rapid molecular test, that once they know the result, they do not need a positive or negative confirmation. It’s an end result.”
More information on COVID-19 testing in the London and Middlesex region can be found at Middlesex-London Health Unit website.
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