NSHN Clinical Assessment Centres & Oximetry Outreach Program Closure Press Release February 16, 2024 Original Press Release available for viewing After nearly 4 years in operation, the Clinical Assessment Centres – located in Blind River and Thessalon – and the Oximetry Outreach Program operated by the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) will be closing at the end of this month. The last day for specimen collection at the Centres and intake to the Oximetry Program is Monday February 26 and both will officially close as of March 11, 2024. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NSHN Assessment Centres and Oximetry Outreach Program have provided safe and timely access to COVID-19 testing and support through the patient’s healthcare journey after testing positive for COVID-19 or experiencing ongoing respiratory issues. “I want to thank the Clinical Assessment Centre & Oximetry Outreach Program teams who have worked incredibly hard throughout the pandemic to relieve pressure on emergency departments and to help protect our communities” said Tim Vine, NSHN President & CEO. “It is important to note that COVID is still in our communities, and we urge anyone who feels unwell to continue taking precautions to help limit the spread of respiratory ailments.” The closure decision comes as funding for the program has not been renewed. As NSHN continues to work with community partners to prepare for the closure, additional information will be posted on our website: https://www.nshn.care/covid19 For more information on COVID-19 and what to do if you have symptoms, please visit Algoma Public Health’s website here: https://www.algomapublichealth.com/disease-and-illness/infectious-diseases/covid-19/