NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centres and Back to School

Throughout the catchment area of the North Shore Health Network, families have made decisions about returning to learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. For those returning to the classroom this week, parents, guardians and/or caregivers will be completing daily screening of children for symptoms before heading to school.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include: new or worsening cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills or weakness, muscle or body aches, new loss of smell or taste, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, or feeling very unwell. Children have been more commonly reported to have abdominal symptoms, and skin changes or rashes.

If a child develops symptoms of COVID-19, please complete the online self-assessment at www.COVID-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment for guidance on actions to take, which may include contacting a COVID-19 Assessment Centre.

Please do not attend the emergency department for mild COVID-19 symptoms. If symptoms are worsening or if you require urgent care, please call 911 and inform them of your symptoms as well as recent travel and/or contact history.

NSHN operates COVID-19 Assessment Centres in Blind River and Thessalon, available by appointment only.

Contact an NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centre by:

·         Calling 705-356-2265 or toll-free 1-888-425-0321:

o   Blind River Location: Ext. 2661

o   Thessalon Location: Ext. 2662

OR

·         Submitting the online form at: www.nshn.care/covid19

A staff member will respond within 48 hours by telephone to complete pre-screening and provide further instructions.

If you have general questions about COVID-19, please contact Algoma Public Health toll-free 1-866-892-0172 ext. 5404 or visit www.algomapublichealth.com.