Mississauga now has two novel coronavirus (COVID-19) assessment and testing centres.

The centres, which are located at Trillium Health Partners' (THP) Mississauga Hospital and Credit Valley Hospital, are two of several designated COVID-19 clinics opening across the province that aim to provide testing for the virus, while reducing the risk of its spread at the hospital.

Not all patients assessed at the centres will be tested for COVID-19, an emailed statement from THP spokesperson Keeley Rogers said.

“Patients seen at the centre will be assessed by answering questions about their symptoms, travel history or exposure to known positive cases of COVID-19,” the statement said.

The statement also said only patients with referrals from Peel Public Health or from the hospital’s emergency department will be assessed at the clinic.

In a March 16 news conference, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said there were 17 assessment centres open in Ontario, and urged those concerned they have COVID-19 symptoms to take the province’s online self-assessment before visiting one of the new clinics.

The two clinics opened on March 12 and will be open 12 hours a day, from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., seven days a week.

Brampton also has a dedicated COVID-19 assessment centre at Peel Memorial Centre hospital.