COVID-19 testing site in UM Smartpark opens Nov. 8

As announced by the province today, a drive-up COVID-19 testing site will be opening on the Fort Garry campus of the University of Manitoba on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020. The new site will support a crucial public health need to enhance access to COVID-19 testing.

The site will be at the Smartpark Event Centre, in the UM Smartpark Research and Technology Park, 100 One Research Road. Hours will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Manitobans can make an appointment for a COVID-19 test by calling (toll-free) 1-855-268-4318 or going online at www.manitoba.ca/COVID19. The site will add immediate additional capacity in Winnipeg, performing 200 tests initially and ramping up to 400 tests per day in December.

Dynacare took possession of the space on November 1, 2020, for a six-month lease, and will operate it for Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living.

The University of Manitoba is committed to supporting public health efforts and especially those of the provincial government to address the needs of all Manitobans. To ensure health and safety at the testing site, strict protocols will be followed including hand sanitizing stations, signage and fencing to ensure directional consistency and socially distanced flow throughout.

UM staff, faculty and students are reminded that they should only go for testing if they have symptoms or if testing has been recommended by public health officials.

For information on the UM response to COVID-19, visit the UM COVID-19 (coronavirus) updates website here.