Back to SearchNORTH BAY, ON – Testing for COVID-19 has increased in the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit’s (Health Unit) region. The number of residents who were tested for COVID-19 between April 13 and 19, more than doubled from the seven days previous. The increase aligns with the province’s announcement to expand COVID-19 testing in Ontario.
In addition to testing the general public who are experiencing symptoms, the province is now requesting the proactive testing of several priority groups. Ontario is committed to protecting the most vulnerable in our communities and those that protect them. Priority groups include:
- Hospital inpatients;
- Residents of long-term care and retirement homes;
- Health care workers, caregivers, care providers, paramedics, and first responders, including police and firefighters;
- Remote, isolated, rural and Indigenous communities;
- Other congregate living centres, including homeless shelters, prisons and group homes;
- Specific vulnerable populations, including patients undergoing chemotherapy or hemodialysis and requiring transplants, as well as pregnant persons, newborns and cross-border workers; and
- Other essential workers, as defined by provincial orders.
“Due to a global supply shortage and initial laboratory testing capacity issues the province was unable to test as frequently as we would have liked,” said Dr. Chirico, Medical Officer of Health of the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit. “Now that supplies are available the increased testing will help determine how prevalent COVID-19 is in our region.”
Individuals who suspect they may have COVID-19 are still to call their healthcare provider, Telehealth or the Health Unit before they are referred to an assessment and testing centre. At the assessment and testing centre an assessment for COVID-19 will be done by a primary healthcare provider, they will then decide if a test for COVID-19 is required.
Currently, there is no specific treatment for COVID-19. It is important to remember that most people with COVID-19 have no symptoms or mild symptoms. People who are mildly ill should isolate and care for themselves at home. Most will recover in one to two weeks by simply treating the symptoms.
If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, first self-isolate and then use Ontario's Self-Assessment Tool to see if you need to seek further care. If you need further assistance call your health care provider or the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808. This will help keep the emergency room resources available for trauma and emergent care patients. If you have severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, you should call 911 and tell them your travel history and your symptoms.
Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
For more information, please visit myhealthunit.ca/COVID-19.
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Media Inquiries:
Alex McDermid, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca
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