Regina drive-through testing site now open later

The growing demand for COVID-19 testing in the Regina region has prompted the Saskatchewan Health Authority to extend the hours of the drive-through testing site at Evraz Place.

In a media release Thursday, the SHA said the site will open at 11:30 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. Previously, it closed at 7 p.m.

“In the coming days, as staffing and resources permit, we will be opening the site for 12 hours and eventually 16 hours,” the SHA said in the release.

The move comes one day after the site had to close its gates early due to long lineups.

⚠️ We’re currently seeing a high demand for drive thru COVID-19 testing. As of March 24, 6pm, the #Regina drive-thru testing site is closing its gates. Anyone in line before the gates close will get tested today. #yqr

— Saskatchewan Health Authority (@SaskHealth) March 25, 2021

More people have been seeking testing in recent days because of the growing number of cases of COVID-19 and variants of concern in the region. The Saskatchewan government put stricter public health measures in place Tuesday in an attempt to fight the spread of the virus in the area.

“The drive-through testing sites are first-come, first-served, similar to a walk-in clinic, which means that wait times are expected and varied in length,” the SHA said. “The average wait time to get a test at the Regina drive-through site varies significantly by day and hour of day — from no waits to three or more hours.”

Wait times for the site can be found here.

Anyone wishing to be tested at any of the province’s drive-through sites will need a valid Saskatchewan health card for everyone in the car being tested (or another form of identification, like a driver’s licence or passport) and will have to wear a mask during the registration process.