In partnership with Region of Durham Paramedic Services (RDPS) and Durham Region Transit (DRT), the region is launching their first mobile COVID-19 testing centres.
The mobile clinic is made from a retired DRT bus and is operated and maintained by transit staff.
Up to 30 people per hour can be tested at the clinic, which will be deployed to key areas where testing could be challenging. This could include schools, long-term care homes, workplaces and areas with vulnerable populations.
At least two paramedics will be on site at all times.
Although the clinic is currently focused on COVID-19 testing, officials say they are hoping to turn it into a place where paramedics will be able to give out vaccines, when that time comes.
“We are grateful to our paramedics, who have been working tirelessly throughout this pandemic,” said Regional Chair John Henry. “This is an amazing partnership, between DRT and the RDPS, that uses a forward-thinking approach, to quickly and effectively deploy testing services to those who may not be able to otherwise get to a testing site. This is another way we are working to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
“We are incredibly proud to be partnering with RDPS to provide this great community service,” added Bill Holmes, General Manager of DRT. “We are thankful to our paramedics for their continuous efforts throughout these unprecedented times, especially being out there in the community, day in and day out; providing assistance to those who need it most.”
Photo courtesy of the Region of Durham
