The Downtown Montreal COVID-19 Testing Clinic Is Moving
It's now set up in a former emergency room.
- After occupying Place des Festivals for weeks, the downtown Montreal COVID-19 testing clinic is moving to the former Hôtel-Dieu emergency room.
- The CIUSSS says community transmission now "generates the most cases" in Quebec, making a new screening approach necessary.
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On Monday, April 20, the downtown Montreal COVID-19 testing clinic at Place des Festivals was moved to the nearby former Hôtel-Dieu emergency room. The clinic, which was one of the first on the Island of Montreal, tested hundreds of locals. It was also one of the first drive-thru testing centres on the island.
The decision to close the clinic was unrelated to the crowds of people. Instead, the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-
"Community transmission is now the one that generates the most cases of COVID-19 in Quebec," said the CIUSSS in a statement.
The testing site was closed early Monday morning. Those who believe they need to be tested for COVID-19 must now call ahead to health officials at the Hôtel-Dieu at 514-644-4545 or 1-877-644-4545.
The new clinic will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is beginning to process people as of Tuesday.
Like the previous clinic, priority will be given to essential services workers and at-risk people in the following sectors:
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Health professionals and workers
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Ambulance attendants
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Firefighters and police
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Security workers and correctional officers
The CIUSSS has also outlined that the following groups will be tested first:
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"Users and staff of seniors' accommodation such as residential and long-term care facilities (CHSLD), intermediate resources (RI), and family-type resources (RTF);"
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"People who have symptoms and who live in other at-risk environments (ex.: homeless shelters);"
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"People who have symptoms and who have a recommendation from the Regional Public Health Director."
READ ALSO: This Is What The Case Count By Neighborhood Looks Like For Montreal Right Now
According to the latest data, 12 areas in Montreal now count over 300 confirmed infections.
Considered the epicentre of the pandemic in Quebec, Montreal has recorded 8,964 confirmed cases, including 525 deaths as of April 20.
Though public health officials have estimated that Montreal has reached its famous outbreak peak, there are incredible challenges remaining, especially in senior homes.
As the situation evolves, public health officials are hoping to begin the slow process of returning to more normal activities.
However, Premier François Legault and health experts in Quebec estimate that the situation could potentially go on for months.
The CIUSSS asks that if you're showing symptoms of COVID-19, you dial 514-644-4545 or 1-877-644-4545 as soon as possible so you can get an evaluation.
Stay tuned for more news.