The Wellington Health Care Alliance (WHCA) has been keeping a close eye on the outbreaks in Wellington County, and have decided to open two Saturday-only COVID-19 assessment centres in Mount Forest and Palmerston.

Kate Kobbes, vice-president of operations at the WHCA, said for patients living in the north Wellington area, transportation to the existing assessment centres is challenging for some.

“Sporadic pop-up clinics wouldn’t necessarily meet that need, so, having a consistent weekly clinic in Mount Forest and Palmerston will help our physicians and our patients manage their testing needs, and also avoid hospital ER visits that can be served through those Saturday clinics,” Kobbes said.

The new Saturday-only COVID-19 assessment centres will begin taking appointments on Dec. 12, and both centres will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed for lunch from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.).

Kobbes said that testing has not slowed down in Wellington County.

“Right now, for our Wellington assessment centres the volumes are pretty steady, and that is part of the reason that we’re offering additional clinics as well,” Kobbes said. “And we opened an additional day to offer clinics on Friday in our Harriston assessment centre.”

Kobbes said currently, they plan to keep the Mount Forest and Palmerston assessment centers operating until the end of March 2021.

The Saturday-only COVID-19 assessment centres will be located at the Claire Stewart Medical Clinic, 525 Dublin Street in Mount Forest, and the Minto Rural Health Centre, 500 Whites Rd. in Palmerston.

It is strongly recommended that you book your appointment in advance, which can be done by going to www.whcacovid.com, or by calling 226-383-2415.

Kobbes added that if people do not have access to a phone or the internet to book an appointment, they can show up at one of the centres and someone will do their best to try to help them out.

Kate Kobbes, vice-president of operations at Wellington Health Care Alliance: