Niagara Falls to open COVID-19 testing centre for tourism workers

A new COVID-19 assessment centre for tourism workers opens this week in Niagara Falls.

The centre is meant to ease crowding and wait times at the three existing sites in St. Catharines, Welland and Niagara Falls.

The number of people getting tested has increased as more tourists visit Niagara Falls.

Niagara Public Health says that increase has spiked wait times, in some cases up to two hours for walk-ins.

Last Monday, the centres saw more than 550 patients, including 300 walk-ins.

“The hospitality and tourism sector employs thousands of people in the region,” said Derek McNally, executive vice-president clinical services.

“Opening an assessment centre dedicated to testing these workers will help prevent overcrowding and reduce wait times for the public at our three existing centres.”

Niagara Falls Tourism will provide administrative support and coordinate testing with local employers.

Only people with appointments can get tested here.

The temporary centre will operate in the Scotiabank Convention Centre parking lot.

It opens on Wednesday Aug. 5.