Pharmacies Can Starting Testing for COVID-19 on Friday

Wednesday, 23 September 2020 13:41

Starting on Friday, 60 pharmacies in Ontario will have testing available for COVID-19; however none of the pharmacies in Oxford County are on that list.

ONTARIO - The Province officially announced today they are expanding COVID-19 testing to pharmacies.

Starting on Friday, up to 60 pharmacies in Ontario will begin offering testing by appointment only, with further locations coming online in the coming weeks. Premier Doug Ford says this initiative will expand testing capacity well beyond the province's 150 assessment centres.

"We rely on our pharmacists for our flu shots, prescriptions, and important health advice for ourselves and our families. It makes sense to engage them as key partners in delivering more COVID-19 testing. I have to thank Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, and the independent pharmacies who have stepped up in a big way to help expand testing to more people in the province. With everyone pitching in, we are well on our way to reaching our goal of 50,000 tests a day and stopping the spread of COVID-19."

Pharmacies may choose to provide testing for Ontarians who have no COVID-19 symptoms. Individuals, within provincial testing guidance, will be able to visit select pharmacies by appointment only, and they will be pre-screened and then tested at no charge. When visiting a pharmacy Ontarians should continue to follow COVID-19 public health measures, including wearing a face covering, frequent handwashing, and maintaining physical distance from those outside their household or social circle.

The expansion of COVID-19 testing to pharmacies is part of the province's comprehensive plan to prepare the health system for a second wave of COVID-19. Keeping Ontarians Safe: Preparing for Future Waves of COVID-19 will help the province quickly identify, prevent and respond to any scenario in order to protect communities.

No pharmacies in Oxford County will be offering the testing starting on Friday and you can find a complete list of the testing locations online here.