As of Nov. 17, north Simcoe residents can book appointments for COVID-19 tests online.

The Midland COVID-19 assessment centre, located in the Georgian Bay General Hospital parking lot, has launched a new appointment booking service through its website .

Appointments can also be booked over the phone by calling , between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week.

The Midland COVID-19 assessment centre has swabbed and tested nearly 11,000 people since opening on March 25, 2020. The centre is staffed by medical professionals from GBGH, the Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Chigamik Community Health Services and the North Simcoe Family Health Team.

In mid-September, the in the number of people seeking COVID-19 tests. The centre conducted 364 tests the week of Sept. 14 to Sept. 18, and 1,305 tests the week of Sept. 21 to Sept. 25. The increased demand for testing has continued.

Staff are urging that , as the centre doesn’t have the capacity to test everyone.