A healthcare worker at a drive-thru testing facility in Etobicoke, Ont. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press)

By Alison Sandstrom

Testing Process

P.A. official explains drive-thru COVID-19 testing

May 28, 2020 | 2:40 PM

As more people are expected to take advantage of expanded COVID-19 testing criteria, the coordinator of Prince Albert’s testing site says the public is appreciating the relative ease of their drive-thru facility.

“We find people are very comfortable to be in their own vehicle while we test,” P.A. COVID-19 site coordinator Paulette Martin told paNOW. “If you’re a little nervous about coming into an enclosed building or person-contact, this is nice.”

The Prince Albert drive-thru site has been operational since May 1. All testing in the city is being performed there, but Martin explained you don’t need a car to visit.

“We’ve had people come through walking; we’ve had people on bikes,” she said. “If the only way you can come see us is if you just walk, we will put you through the same process walking, we just make sure that everyone that needs to get tested, does get tested.”

As of Monday, testing criteria in Saskatchewan has been expanded to include anyone working outside the home. A referral is still needed to get tested, and people who want a COVID-19 test are asked to call 811 Healthline.

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Information, including name and health card number, is gathered by 811, who pass it on to local public health. The client will then receive a call to set up an appointment.

When clients arrive at Prince Albert’s COVID-19 testing site, Martin explained they’ll see a security person wearing a mask at the entrance to a white cover-all tent.

Once they’re told to advance inside, they’ll first be met by a healthcare worker wearing a full-face shield, a mask, and a yellow gown. The client will be asked to wash their hands with sanitizing gel and instructed on how to correctly put on a mask. They’ll also be asked basic questions to verify their identity.

Next, they’ll pull forward to the second stop inside the tent where a nurse will perform an oral swab.

“It’s not invasive at all,” said Martin. “It’s just swab by your tonsil area, from one side of the tonsil area to the other side and then the inside walls of the nose. It’s really quick to do.”

The client is also given two education sheets on self-assessment and self-isolation.

Finally, they’re instructed stay home on quarantine until they receive their test results by phone. Martin said that usually takes two to three days.

The entire testing process takes place without the client ever having to get out of their car.

To request a COVID-19 test in Saskatchewan, call Healthline 811.

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom