University partners with Fraser Health to provide testing facility for Abbotsford community
On Sept. 30, Fraser Health relocated its Abbotsford COVID-19 testing site to UFV’s Abbotsford campus.
This site now serves as Abbotsford’s only COVID-19 test collection centre, replacing the previous testing location on Clearbrook Road. The Abbotsford News reported that the new centre will be able to process up to 500 tests per day — an estimated five times greater than the previous facility.
A university press release announced the move, which was made in partnership with Fraser Health, the Abbotsford Division of Family Practice, and the City of Abbotsford. The release cites the decreased number of students on campus and ample free parking space as reasons why UFV is “well-positioned” to host the expanded testing facility, located in a parking lot near Building E (UFV Athletic Centre).
UFV’s press release about the site revealed that both walk-in and drive-through testing will be offered, but the university has emphasized that precautions are being taken to protect students from exposure to the virus.
Dave Pinton, director of communications at UFV, said in an email that the testing site has traffic flaggers to direct clients to the testing area, and that UFV health and safety ambassadors are also present in the area to give directions to clients who show up to campus. The site is also self-contained and fenced off from the rest of UFV, with separate washrooms and a staffroom to prevent clients or staff from needing to visit other parts of campus.
Additionally, there is no access to the site via UFV’s campus, and Fraser Health’s website instructs visitors to enter via Gillis Avenue, near the bookstore.
As with Fraser Health’s other COVID-19 testing facilities, tests are provided for adults and children older than three months. Those wishing to be tested may book online in advance or simply walk in. Fraser Health’s testing information webpage recommends testing to anyone with cold or influenza symptoms.
