Manitoba’s health minister, Cameron Friesen announced on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, that a dedicated testing site for health-care workers and first responders is opening later this week in Winnipeg.
“Health-care workers have been on the front line of the fight against COVID-19, frequently placing themselves at greater risk of exposure to the virus in order to provide treatment and care for patients,” said Friesen. “Expanding access to timely testing recognizes their immeasurable importance to our health system fight against COVID-19.”
The new drive-thru testing site will be located at the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service training academy at 2546 McPhillips Street and will be staffed by licensed WFPS paramedics. It is expected the site will be able to take between 40 and 60 tests per day between 7:30 am and 3:30 pm Monday to Friday.
The new site is open to police officers, firefighters, paramedics and emergency communications personnel. A limited number of slots may be available to health-care workers.
Health-care workers will also be able to access a limited number of testing appointments at the 2735 Pembina Hwy testing site and the 604 St. Mary’s Road testing site.
Health-care workers and first responders needing a COVID-19 test can book an appointment by calling 1-855-268-4318 (toll-free). Individuals will need to show their professional identification at the testing site to access their pre-booked appointment.
© News4.ca 2020
