Hamilton to offer rapid COVID-19 testing at two schools on Saturday

The City of Hamilton will offer rapid COVID-19 testing at Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School and Orchard Park Secondary School on Saturday.

The city says these areas were identified as neighbourhoods where the uptake of testing is low, COVID-19 rates are higher and there has been a history of school outbreak.

“Along with other vital health and safety measures, such as daily screening, masking and increased hand hygiene, targeted asymptomatic testing at our schools is an added tool we may use where relevant for our community,” said Hamilton’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Elizabeth Richardson.

Testing will be only available for asymptomatic students and staff of these two schools.

Students and staff of Eastdale Elementary School and Winona Elementary School can register for a rapid test at Orchard Park.

Students and staff who have been advised to self-isolate or get tested at a local assessment centre will not be tested here.

This testing is also not for students enrolled in full-time online learning.

Testing will be offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.