Niagara Health says a recent spike in visitors to their COVID-19 assessment centers has caused a spike in wait times at three locations in the region.
On Thursday morning, NH said the assessment centers in Niagara Falls, St Catharines, and Welland were affected by the increase which has led to walk-in wait times for up to two hours.
They urged visitors to booking appointments in advance for the quickest and easiest way to get tested.
On Wednesday, a new drive-through assessment center for hospitality workers opened up in Niagara Falls to test employees working in the tourism- and restaurant sector.
Niagara Health said those eligible for testing at the location also must call in advance to secure a spot.
Since opening in March, Niagara Health’s Assessment Centres have seen over 32,000 patients.
The St. Catharines Assessment Centre is located behind the Walker Family Cancer Centre at the rear of the St. Catharines Site at 1200 Fourth Ave. The center also has a drive-through service. People eligible for this service will be notified when their appointment is booked.
The Niagara Falls Assessment Centre is located in the Allied Health building behind the Greater Niagara General Site located at 5673 North Street in Niagara Falls.
There is no access to the Allied Health building from the hospital.
The Welland Assessment Centre is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and is located in the auditorium of the Welland Site at 65 Third Street.
The dedicated parking spots can be accessed from MacLean Place and Plymouth Road.
For more information on the testing procedures in the region, go here.
