A COVID-19 Testing Site Near Toronto Is Dealing With A 1,400% Super Surge In Demand

Testing centres in Ontario are under huge pressure right now. In fact, Joseph Brant Hospital's COVID-19 assessment centre has reported a 1,400% surge in demand. The centre has asked the public to bear with them while dealing with the increase. 

"Please note that we are experiencing unprecedented demand for COVID testing at our assessment centre and drive-thru clinic, with the volume of requests up 1400%," says the hospital said on Twitter.

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"We sincerely apologize and understand your frustration. Thank you for your patience while we work hard to add resources in order to reduce wait times."

However, despite the surge, the hospital has also reported that 30-40% of people are not showing up for their scheduled tests. 

The Burlington hospital, which built one of Ontario's first temporary COVID-19 facilities back in April, also shared that there is another testing facility in the works which will be opened at an unspecified date.

"We are also working with community partners to open an additional community-based testing centre will share an update when plans are finalized."

The hospital is asking the public to do their part in helping to make sure things run as smoothly as possible. 

This includes booking an appointment online, instead of via telephone, where the lines are tied up. 

They are also asking people to respond to their digital confirmations when an appointment is booked on the website. You can also cancel online if you can't make it.

Narcity has reached out to Joseph Brant Hospital for more information on wait times and volume. 

This Ontario spot isn't the only testing centre experiencing issues. 

Long lines have been spotted in multiple cities across Ontario since September began, notably in London, where an outbreak was declared at Western University. 

Doug Ford said in a Wednesday press conference that the province is now gearing up to open "a couple thousand additional testing areas" after demand has skyrocketed. 

The province has also spoken about the possibility of getting tested at your local pharmacy.