Around 700 residents in and around High River called in over the weekend looking to get tested for COVID-19 at a three day mobile clinic set up by the Calgary Rural Primary Care Network.

That group's President, High River Doctor, Adam Vyse says it was more than they expected, but he wasn't overly surprised at the numbers.

"When the anxiety levels ramp up sometimes people just need another outlet. So that's what we put in place as a temporizing measure over the weekend."

He says in all about 140 people were were referred for testing.

He says Alberta Health Services have set up another mobile clinic in High River, in the parking lot at the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Centre.

He says to get tested there, you have to go through 811.

Vyse says he's not sure how long the mobile site will be up and running.

"It's a changing process and Doc's are pulled in lot's of different directions, but they should be able to access virtual care and set up a virtual appointment to have their concerns checked. If they go through that self assessment and they find they aren't getting a response and they feel like they need more attention or if they launch that self assessment tool and it says they don't need a swab, but they still have other concerns, then by all means give us a call."

Vyse reminds residents local doctors offices are all open and they are taking patients.

So if you have an issue, COVID related or not, to call them and they can deal with you either over the phone or in their offices if need be.

 

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