Nanaimo's drive-thru testing clinic has moved and expanded to the Vancouver Island University parking lot. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)
testing site

Capacity for COVID-19 tests doubles in Nanaimo with new site

Dec 1, 2020 | 1:03 PM

NANAIMO — A COVID-19 testing site in Nanaimo has moved and expanded.

Island Health announced on Tuesday, Dec. 1 a collection site moved from Grant Ave. in mid-Nanaimo to the Vancouver Island University campus on Fifth St.

Two additional drive-thru lanes at the site will double the capacity for COVID-19 tests.

“Staff will be able to work in heated kiosks, providing them much needed protection from the weather as we head into winter,” Island Health said in a release.

The site is by appointment only and drop-in testing is not available.

It’s open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

People are urged to use B.C.’s self-assessment tool to see if they require a test.

Those with symptoms can call 1-844-901-8442 to schedule a test.

Central Vancouver Island, which includes Nanaimo and the Oceanside region, is responsible for roughly two thirds of currently active COVID-19 cases within Island Health.

Data released on Monday, Nov. 30 showed there are 141 cases considered active within central Vancouver Island.

Updated information is expected Tuesday afternoon.

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