Media Release

COVID-19 Update April 16, 2020

Our first COVID-19 positive inpatient at the Kirkland and District Hospital (KDH) is doing well and has been discharged from the hospital. Currently there are no confirmed positive inpatient cases at either KDH or the Englehart and District Hospital (EDH).

Most alternate level of care (ALC) patients at KDH have been transferred to EDH in order to create additional bed capacity at KDH for treating COVID-19 patients and to enhance our efforts with minimizing the potential for inpatient exposure to the virus, by establishing EDH as a COVID-free inpatient facility.

The Emergency Departments at KDH and EDH continue to be open 24/7 for any significant or more urgent patient needs. All patients presenting to the emergency department will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms in alignment with our current infection control practices. Patients are encouraged to reach out to their primary care provider for any minor concerns or issues, and can be referred to the hospital as necessary.

We would like to thank our communities for their continued support and encouragement during these unprecedented times in the battle to "flatten-the-curve" and minimize the spread of this contagious virus within our communities. We currently have 10 confirmed cases within Timiskaming District and are ramping up our testing in conjunction with the Timiskaming Health Unit for enhanced surveillance purposes now that we are starting to see increased potential for community spread. As front-line health care organizations we are appreciative and encouraged that our communities are continuing to follow Public Health directives and guidelines - it’s important to note that we must not let our guard down as we prepare for a potential surge in COVID-19 cases in the North!

COVID-19 Assessment Centers Opening in Kirkland Lake and Englehart

In an effort to further identify potential COVID-19 presence in our communities, KDH and EDH in partnership with the Kirkland & District Family Health Team and Englehart & District Family Health Team have implemented dedicated "Drive-Thru" Assessment Centers to perform higher volumes of testing aimed at enhancing our regions tracking and surveillance of the virus. Telephone screening will be done by the Timiskaming Health Unit (which can be reached at 705-544-2221 (Englehart & Area) or 705-567-9355 (Kirkland Lake & Area) extension 7) and anyone meeting the screening criteria will be contacted by the Hospital to arrange an appointment at the closest Assessment Center. The Assessment Center in Kirkland Lake is located at Heritage North and will see patients by appointment only between the hours of 9:00am – 1:00pm, Monday to Friday. In Englehart the Assessment Center is located at the Englehart & District Family Health Team and will see patients by appointment only between the hours of 9:00am – 12:00 noon,

Monday to Friday. Signage will be placed at each of the Assessment Centers to direct vehicles to the proper on-site drive-thru location so patients can be assessed and tested. Patients must remain in their vehicles for testing and will be asked to provide their Health Card for identification. The expected turn-around time for test results is 48-72 hours and all patients tested can access their results on a new online portal: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/

COVID-19 Assessment Center - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does the drive-thru at the COVID-19 Assessment Center work?

Individuals will be directed to drive to the assessment and testing area as indicated by outdoor signage. You will be asked to provide your Health Card for identification. You will remain in your vehicle for the duration of the assessment and testing. Once the test is complete you should return home and self-isolate until the test results are known.

Will the COVID-19 Assessment Center accept individuals without an appointment?

No assessment or testing will be done at the Assessment Center unless you have an appointment. This is to ensure proper spacing between patients and that screening has been completed beforehand by the Timiskaming Health Unit.

Will I have to wear a mask if I visit the COVID-19 Assessment Center?

Patients are not required to wear a mask as you will remain in your vehicle for the test. The medical staff performing the test will be wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Can a family member or friend accompany me to the Assessment Center?

Since patients remain in their vehicle for the duration of their visit, they could be accompanied by other individuals who must also remain inside the vehicle. We recommend you avoid having other passengers in the vehicle to adhere to physical distancing measures and reduce the potential of exposing others, unless it’s absolutely necessary.

How long will it take to find out the results of my test? Will someone contact me?

Testing facilities are typically processing tests within 24-48 hours from the time they receive them. It usually takes about 24 hours to batch and ship the test swabs from our hospitals to the testing facility, so you could expect your test results within 48-72 hours from the time of your visit at the Assessment Center. The Timiskaming Health Unit will contact you with your test results and provide further direction as necessary. You could also obtain your test results through the online portal

For additional information on COVID-19, please visit the Timiskaming Health Unit’s website