Niagara Health has reopened its COVID-19 drive-through assessment centre at the St. Catharines hospital due to an increase in demand for testing.

The centre is in addition to the Greater Niagara General hospital assessment centre in Niagara Falls. The operating hours for both locations are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week, including all holidays.

“As we enter the fall season and now that many students are back to school, we are seeing an increased need for testing,” says Zeau Ismail, director of the hospital's assessment centres and vaccine clinic.

“We encourage anyone who needs a test based on the criteria to book one. This virus is highly contagious so early detection is important for managing the fourth wave.”

Book a COVID-19 test appointment online or call 905-378-4647 ext. 42819 (4-CV19). Walk-ins are not accepted for COVID-19 testing at either location.

Make an appointment for a COVID-19 test if you: are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, have been exposed to a confirmed case of the virus, or live or work in a setting that has a COVID-19 outbreak.

Arrive at your designated appointment time and do not come early.

For more information, visit www.niagarahealth.on.ca/site/assessmentcentres.