LONDON, ON – The COVID-19 Assessment Centres located at Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre (656 Elizabeth Street in London) and Oakridge Arena (825 Valetta Street in London), will be open on Canada Day, Wednesday July 1st. Carling Heights Assessment Centre will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and the Assessment Centre at Oakridge Arena will be open on from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The COVID-19 Assessment Centres, operated by the London Health Sciences Centre, St. Joseph’s Health Care London, the Thames Valley Family Health Team, Middlesex-London EMS, the Middlesex-London Health Unit and the City of London, have seen thousands of clients over the course of the pandemic, reducing the number of visits to local Emergency Departments and the Urgent Care Centre significantly.

Anyone may attend either of the two London Assessment Centres to be assessed for COVID-19 testing; there is no medication or treatment onsite at either of the Assessment Centres. Testing is also available for those requiring test results before visiting loved ones residing in Long-Term Care Homes or Retirement Residences.

While COVID-19 is a virus that affects the respiratory system, anyone who has severe respiratory illness, or is experiencing a medical emergency should go to hospital or call 9-1-1.

Signs of severe respiratory illness include:

• Shortness of breath/unable to catch your breath
• Severe fever that does not come down with Tylenol/acetaminophen
• Energy so low that you are physically unable to get out of bed or barely able and must rest again immediately

Follow @MLHealthunit on Twitter for updates about the wait times at both the Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre and Oakridge Arena Assessment Centres.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Milne, Communications Coordinator, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519-617-0564