With the local hospital seeing a significant increase in visits for respiratory illnesses, the COVID-19 assessment clinic is expanding its services.
Effective today (Nov. 21), Timmins and District Hospital is offering appointment-only physician assessments for people two years of age and older who have mild to moderate respiratory illness symptoms. You do not need a primary care provider to access the clinic.
In the past several weeks, the hospital is reporting a "significant increase" in the number of people visiting the Emergency Department with respiratory illnesses.
"As a result of an earlier than normal cold/flu season, coupled with continued pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic, our local health care system is continuing to experience significant pressures," reads a TADH news release.
No walk-ins are being accepted at the clinic. People experiencing symptoms such as a cough, congestion, sore throat or ear pain who need to be looked at by a doctor should call 705-267-0224 to book an appointment.
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"We anticipate there may be an increase in call volumes. The COVID-19 assessment clinic will attempt to return all calls and schedule your appointment within 24 hours. We ask the community to please be patient as we work as quickly as possible, and please do not leave multiple voicemails," reads the news release.
To qualify for an appointment, you must be experiencing new onset of mild to moderate respiratory symptoms and be able to attend the clinic. People will be required to provide a valid Ontario Health Card.
If you have severe shortness of breath or chest pain, the hospital advises calling 911 or going to the closest emergency department.
The hospital's also suggesting people get a COVID booster and their flu shot and consider wearing a mask in indoor public settings. People who are sick should stay home until they're fever-free for at least 24 hours and feeling better.
