Niagara Health is seeing record numbers of walk-ins for COVID-19 testing at its three assessment centres as Niagara enters Stage 3 of the province’s Recovery Framework. Walk-ins more than doubled yesterday, totalling a record 251 of the 451 patients tested at the Niagara Falls and St. Catharines centres (Welland is not open on Thursdays). 

Walk-ins have been higher than usual each day this week, ranging from 143 on Monday to 251 patients yesterday. 

To avoid waits, those seeking to be tested are encouraged to book appointments in advance. This is the quickest and easiest way to be tested for the virus. Members of the public can book a test by calling 905-378-4647 ext. 42819 (4-CV19). 

The Assessment Centres in St. Catharines and Niagara Falls are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Sunday, and the Welland Assessment Centre is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Walk-ins are accepted until 4 p.m. each day of operation, however calling in advance remains the most efficient way to be tested for COVID-19. 

Since opening in March, Niagara Health’s Assessment Centres have tested nearly 30,000 patients. 

A toolkit with information about our Assessment Centres, including locations and directions, hours of operation, how to register for a COVID test and accessing test results, is now available on the Niagara Health website. To download the COVID-19 Assessment Centres and Testing Toolkit, click here. 

Media contact:
Caroline Bourque Wiley
Caroline.Bourque-Wiley@niagarahealth.on.ca
905-378-4647, ext. 43111; 905-329-9523