PARAMEDICS PROVIDING IN-HOME TESTING FOR COVID-19

Paramedics in Kawartha Lakes are now testing people for COVID-19 at home. This initiative comes on the heels of the City’s declaration of a State of Emergency in order to mobilize necessary resources to assist the health care sector.

The Community Paramedic is working as a mobile extension of the COVID-19 Assessment Centre in partnership with the Ross Memorial Hospital.

• Who: People will be screened in their homes by a Community Paramedic if they are unable to secure transportation to the assessment centre or if they have mobility challenges.

• How: These requests will come directly from the COVID-19 Assessment Call Centre to the Paramedics. This service is separate from 911 and is not accessible by calling 911.

• What: The paramedic will perform a minor health assessment and determine if there is need for a COVID-19 swab during their visit.   

Please note: All members of the public who are referred by the Health Unit or TeleHealth to visit the Ross Memorial COVID-19 Assessment Centre and who are physically able to do so, are asked to get there on their own. This is about finding better ways to serve the population at home and not bring people to the hospital.