Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living is advising that two new COVID-19 testing sites were opened this past week, a drive-up location located at 1 Research Rd. at the University of Manitoba’s SmartPark and drive-thru location at 485 George Ave. in Winkler.

The new drive-up site at the University of Manitoba Opens on Sunday, Nov. 8 and will operate from 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 manitoba.ca. The site will add immediate additional capacity in Winnipeg, performing 200 tests initially and ramping up to 400 tests per day in December.

The new site in Winkler was opened Thursday, Nov. 5 and will operate Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 8 p.m., and Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Initially, this site will be on a first-come, first-serve basis and will have capacity for up to 120 tests per day.

These locations join other recently established testing sites in Winnipeg including drive-thru sites at 125 King Edward St., 1066 Nairn Ave. and a mobile unit at 1181 Portage Ave.

These locations are in addition to a new, drive-up site for COVID-19 testing that opened Oct. 31 at the Keystone Centre at 1175 18th St. in Brandon, which is performing up to 120 tests a day.

Additional drive-thru and drive-up sites will open in Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie and Arborg in the coming days and weeks. Details about locations in these communities will be provided as sites prepare to open.

Manitobans are reminded that only individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should go for testing. Individuals with symptoms are asked to seek testing as soon as possible once symptoms are present.

Employers are asked to only send employees for testing if they have symptoms or if testing has been recommended by public health officials.