'Underserved' east end needs COVID-19 testing site, politicians say

Several east-end politicians are asking The Ottawa Hospital to open a COVID-19 testing centre in their part of Ottawa, an area they say is currently underserved.

Orlans MPPStephen Blais, along with councillors Matthew Luloff, Tim Tierney and Laura Dudas, wrote to the hospital's CEO, Cameron Love, two weeks agoasking for an assessment centre in the city's east end.

There are currently three testing sites in Ottawa, including the Brewer Arena in Old Ottawa South, but people have complained they've beenforced to wait in line for hours.

"It's relatively imminent when we'll have a site identified and announced," Luloff said.

• 2 new COVID-19 testing sites on the way in Ottawa

Dr. Alan Forster,the hospital'svice-president for innovation and quality, told CBC Radio's Ottawa Morning told CBC Radio'sOttawa Morninglast week that a number of sites are currently being considered, including in the east end.

Forster said he hopes to have a new centre up and running before students return to school Sept. 3.

Luloff said the east end needs a testing centrebecause it's difficult for seniors and otherswith mobility issues to make it to the current sites, which are all located closer to Ottawa's downtown and west end.

"I'm hearing stories of people lining up and waiting quite some time for a test. I think that, you know, offering further capacity in the east will alleviate some of that pressure," he said.

Orlans MPP Stephen Blaisagreed, calling the city's east end is currently "underserved."

He named a number of sites that could work for a new centre, including near Place d'Orlansmall, at the old Cumberland town hall, or various locationsalong Innes Road.

Blais said any new site must be located along public transit routes andhave sufficient parking, and also be able to accommodate atesting centre for the foreseeable future.

"We believe that COVID will be in the community for some time still, and [hospital staff] wantto ensure that if they open a location ... they can keep it open."