Ontario Health Announces COVID-19 Testing Pilot for Truck Drivers

Dear Valued Client, 

We are excited to announce that the Ontario government is piloting a new system that will make it easier for truck drivers to access COVID-19 testing through a partnership with DriverCheck.

This pilot program is part of the Ontario government's efforts to improve accessibility of COVID-19 testing for the trucking industry, reduce the spread of COVID-19, protect public health across the province and keep the economy going. 

“First and foremost, we are humbled by the opportunity to make a difference in Ontario by improving access to physicians as well as COVID-19 testing for truckers,” said Connor Page, Vice President of Strategy at DriverCheck. 

“The trucking industry is the lifeline of our economy and is doing an amazing job already at containing the virus. With this new voluntary testing regime, we are ensuring truck drivers have better access to COVID-19 testing based on their challenging work schedules,” explained Page.

This pilot will operate from July 8 – September 8, 2020 and will focus on three testing delivery options, including testing clinics in Kitchener and Ayr, ON, and onsite testing at select carrier locations. The Province of Ontario will be covering all costs associated with the pilot, and there will be no charges to the drivers or companies utilizing the testing service.

This recent development has garnered strong support within the trucking community, including announcements from the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA), Private Motor Truck Council (PMTC), Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada (WTFC), and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA).

“With the guidance of the medical community, the trucking industry and its customers have introduced multiple effective measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As a result of these efforts, along with the self-isolating nature of the occupation, Ontario truck drivers are not exhibiting an elevated risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19,” said OTA Chair David Carruth.

“OTA agrees with Premier Ford that providing widespread availability of voluntary testing to Ontarians is one of the most effective tools to fight this pandemic and get the economy up and running. Today’s announcement will assist the province’s commercial drivers immensely in accessing COVID-19 testing,” stated Carruth.

“The PMTC has been working with Minister Mulroney and MTO to ensure that the trucking industry’s needs are top of mind at Queen’s Park,” said Mike Millian, President of PMTC. “This pilot will help our members and their drivers keep product moving safely and efficiently while assisting in the protection of the health and welfare of Ontario’s highway heroes.”

“The WTFC will be working to promote this important pilot to its members,” said Shelley Uvanile-Hesch, CEO of WTFC. “Minister Mulroney is committed to assisting our sector, and our organization will continue to work with Minister Mulroney to protect the health and safety of our drivers and the province’s economy.”

“OOIDA appreciates Minister Mulroney’s commitment to this pilot. As an active owner-operator I can tell you the professional driving community is very committed to health and safety and has implemented multiple measures to protect themselves and fellow Canadians against the spread of COVID-19. Improving the access to testing can only help us in the fight against COVID-19,” said OOIDA board member, Johanne Couture.

The COVID-19 testing pilot project will:

• Provide delivery options to increase the accessibility of testing for this essential workforce 

• Increase access to healthcare professionals to help with their COVID-19 related questions and concerns

• Understand the level of testing needed to support long haul, cross border truck drivers

DriverCheck’s mobile operations and locations are designed to accommodate long-haul drivers whose work schedules can pose challenges to accessing the provincial network of testing centres. The initiative is also expected to improve access to general healthcare – up to 14 percent of Canadians do not have a family physician and that percentage is even higher within the trucking industry. During the pilot, DriverCheck will also be providing access to its virtual care platform for the commercial driver community.

“Ontario Minister of Health Christine Elliott championed a great program, which for the first time allows many Ontarians to access doctors remotely and improves access to medical assistance for commercial truck drivers who do not have a physician for potential COVID-19 and other medical issues,” said Carruth.

Locations and Hours of Operation:

1. KITCHENER CLINIC – available starting July 8th

     31 McBrine Dr, Unit 8, Kitchener, ON, N2R 1J1

• Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

• Walk-ins available or call (519) 748-4658 to book in advance

2. AYR CLINIC (THE FLYING J TRUCK STOP) – available starting July 14th
     
     5 Cochran Dr. Unit 5A, Ayr, ON, N0B 1E0

• Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

• Walk-in for your test

3. MOBILE TESTING AT CARRIER LOCATIONS IN ONTARIO

• We will be partnering with carriers to come to a location convenient for their drivers

• Limited capacity of 10 mobile locations over the eight week pilot

“Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney has worked with all of the trucking industry to assist in maintaining uninterrupted delivery of goods required by Ontarians. Today’s announcement is a reflection of that collaborative approach and symbolic of her deep understanding of the unique issues facing truckers and value the trucking industry brings to the Ontario economy,” added Carruth.

“We are so thrilled to be able to help out the truckers of Ontario! The trucking industry has made us what we are today and we’re happy to be able to give back,” said Page.

To see the full Government of Ontario news release, click here.

If you have any questions about COVID-19 testing for your drivers, or are interested in potentially having a testing clinic onsite, please contact our Program Consultants at (800) 463-4310, option 8, or by email at ProgramConsultant@DriverCheck.ca.
 
Sincerely,

DriverCheck Team