Province to release detailed testing strategy, urges all residents who want a test to get tested

 

In a statement to the province today, Premier Doug Ford urged residents not to let their guards down against COVID-19.

“We must remember that this enemy, this virus, is ruthless,” said Ford. “It’s a deadly killer and we can’t give it an inch.”

Until a vaccine is found, Ford says the best defence is to detect the virus, isolate it, and slow the spread.

To do so, the premier is asking all residents who are worried they may have COVID-19 — including those without any symptoms — to access one of the province’s many COVID-19 assessment centres and get tested.

“You will not be turned away. You don’t need an appointment. Just show up to a testing centre and they will test you,” the premier said. “And bring your family along with you to get tested.”

Next week, the province is planning to release a detailed testing strategy that will reportedly target various sectors and hotspots across Ontario.

Ford also responded to the news of thousands of people crowding at Trinity Bellwoods Park in Toronto on Saturday, saying he was shocked by the incident.

“The images I saw, we just can’t have that right now,” he said. “It’s just too many people too close.”