COVID Testing Clinic in Almonte is closing

After three years and nearly 40,000 tests. the COVID Testing Clinic in Almonte is officially closing on Feb. 24 

“COVID was very new, and we were all working very hard to keep patients, residents, families and colleagues safe,” said Patti Morton, who has led the clinic’s operations. “It was an amazing team that came together to care for our community. We are grateful for their positivity and dedication through such challenging times.” 

Going forward, patients with COVID-19 symptoms can take a free rapid antigen (RAT) test or visit their family doctor, nurse practitioner or local pharmacy for testing. All these healthcare providers can also prescribe anti-viral medications as required.

The goal of the COVID Testing Clinic in Almonte was to ensure safe access to COVID-19 testing and medical assessments for local communities while reducing the strain on the Lanark County Paramedic Service ambulances and hospital emergency rooms. As the pandemic unfolded, the team expanded its efforts to become a Vaccination Clinic, partnering with the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit (LGLDHU).

Physicians and staff from Almonte General Hospital, Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital and Lanark County Paramedic Service, in partnership with LGLDHU, were involved with the clinics. More than 100 healthcare professionals have worked within the Mississippi River Health Alliance COVID response since March 2020, including screening, vaccination and the testing clinic.