New Western citizens may soon be tested for COVID-19 closer to home.
A report to the council indicates that the city is working heavily with Fraser Health on the creation of a COVID-19 check that would primarily serve New Westminster residents.
“The check would come with a walk-in and vehicle component, the latter requiring parking and queuing capacity for between 250 and 350 cars depending on the day,” the report says. “As proposed, the check would be inconsistent with the usual until March 2021. “
According to the City Vulnerable and At-Risk Working Group, seven possible sites have been known and two are currently being considered: the former recycling depot and the southwest parking component of the Canadian Games pool and Centennial Community Center, and Tipperary Park and a component of the southeastern parking lot of New Westminster City Hall.
“The approval of Fraser Health’s board of directors granted to continue with the former; however, its status quo and ongoing operation can be affected through the structure schedule of the new aquatic and network center,” the report says. “Based on this approval, there are ongoing discussions between the City and Fraser Health regarding a lease or license. “
Earlier this year, the city closed its recycling depot in Sixth and McBride as a component of the planned structure of the new aquatic and network center. When the pandemic occurred, the city announced that it would delay the structure of the new facility.
In addition to this proposed verification site, the City also recommends that Fraser Health identify satellite or cellular verification sites, in all likelihood in collaboration with nonprofits, to serve the homeless population, the elderly, and other people with disabilities in the city. He stated that the control site for the population living on the street will most likely be located in the center, while the facilities for the elderly and disabled will be located in the center of the city.
More to come.