Whitehorse Temporary Respiratory Centre Closing

Friday, 29 May 2020 18:00

Following the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Respiratory Assessment Centre (RAC) will close end of day on Sunday, May 31, 70 days after opening.

The Respiratory Assessment Centre was established to respond to the need for respiratory illness assessment, high rates of influenza and COVID-19 testing outside of the acute care system and at Yukon Communicable Disease Control.

The centre was open to individuals who had travelled and were experiencing symptoms, and also to members of the general public who were experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness. With physicians' offices closed to most in-person visits, the RAC was designated as the location for testing.

Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Brendan Hanley said in a statement, The Respiratory Assessment Centre currently sees an average of five patients daily, influenza season has peaked and the COVID-19 risk in Yukon is currently low. Therefore, these small volumes of patients can be easily absorbed by the emergency department, with persons with a travel history or contacts still being screened at Yukon Communicable Disease Control (YCDC). The Respiratory Assessment Centre has effectively supported Yukon's efforts to assess and test for COVID-19 and limit the spread of infection in the territory.

The Respiratory Assessment Centre operated out of the Yukon Convention Centre on Fourth Avenue. During the 70 days of operation, it assessed more than 400 individuals; more than 225 of those were tested for COVID-19. Individuals who are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness should contact 811.

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