April 24, 2020
Oxford County Paramedics to support community-based assessment and testing for COVID-19
The referral program will help test those who cannot reach the local assessment centre
This week, Oxford County Paramedic Services launched a community-based assessment and testing program for COVID-19. The program will see trained paramedics go out into the community to test individuals who cannot otherwise get to an assessment centre.
Residents are received into the program by referral after an initial assessment by a primary healthcare provider, Southwestern Public Health or the Woodstock Hospital COVID-19 Assessment Centre after first completing a self-assessment at www.covid19checkup.ca. Those eligible for the program include residents of retirement communities or long-term care homes, individuals receiving palliative care at home, homeless members of the community, or those without viable access to transportation to the Woodstock Hospital COVID-19 Assessment Centre.
Once clients are referred to the program, they will be contacted by Oxford County Paramedics to outline next steps in the process and to arrange an at-home testing appointment where a sample will be collected. Paramedics will arrive wearing the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to conduct testing.
Results may take up to 10 days for processing, after which Southwestern Public Health will contact individuals with positive test results only. Everyone tested, however, will be able to track their results online at https://covid19results.ehealthontario.ca:4443/login.
The community-based assessment and testing program is a joint one between Oxford County Paramedic Services and local physician Dr. Rachel Orchard with support from Oxford County Community Health Centre, Southwestern Public Health and Ontario Health West.
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About Oxford County
Located in the heart of southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 121,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” As a partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government, Oxford County is emerging as a leader in sustainable growth through the Future Oxford Community Sustainability Plan and County Council’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy, becoming a zero-waste community and working towards zero poverty. Situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, agriculture is a key industry that is driving innovation in sustainable industries and diversifying the local economy. Oxford County offers a thriving local arts, culture and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. The Oxford County Administration Building is located in Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca or follow our social media sites at www.oxfordcounty.ca/social. Oxford County’s Strategic Plan is at oxfordcounty.ca/strategicplan.
Contact
Jenn Austin | Strategic Communication & Engagement
519.320.0821 | jaustin@oxfordcounty.ca