“Just show up” – Ford says anyone can get a COVID-19 test

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced Sunday that anyone in the province can get tested for COVID-19 even if they are not showing symptoms.

Ford says mass testing is the best way to fight the virus, “If you are worried you have COVID-19, or that you’ve been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, even if you’re not showing symptoms, please go get a test.”

This statement follows criticism of the province’s testing numbers not coming close to capacity for nearly 25,000 daily tests. The rate currently hovers around 11,000.

The premier’s plea is also a marks a change in direction in the provinces fight against COVID-19. Previously, only someone had to show more than one symptom of COVID-19 should get tested.“You will not be turned away, you don’t need an appointment, just show up,” said Ford.

Ford also said a new detailed testing strategy targeting specific sectors will be unveiled next week.

Ontario confirmed 460 new cases on Sunday along with 25 deaths related to the virus. The province now has 25,500 confirmed cases, which includes 19,477 that are marked as resolved and 2,073 where patients have died.

Ford will speak again today during his daily briefing at 1:00 p.m. and CHCH will stream it live on Facebook.