It’s only a matter of minutes.

Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders takes a couple minutes from the job to get a drive-thru COVID-19 test.

Saunders says he doesn’t have any symptoms of the virus.

“As first responders it can be difficult to maintain physical distancing doing our jobs,” the Chief says. “We do our best to protect the public and getting tested is important. “

He urges residents to follow public health directives to help keep everyone safe.

Members of the public can receive a free check by driving to the Etobicoke Drive-Thru Assessment Centre, located near Etobicoke General Hospital in the Humber College overflow parking lot, off Queen’s Plate Drive at Highway 27.

The Assessment Centre is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., seven days a week.

Officials say motorists do not need to leave their cars to be assessed or tested.

Patients will remain in their vehicle for the duration of their screening and assessment. They are screened upon arrival to determine if they are eligible for testing. Those who meet the assessment criteria will be directed to drive toward the testing area where a nasal swab will be taken. The Assessment Centre includes plenty of signage and staff are available to direct you.

The drive-thru model protects the health and safety of hospital staff working at the centre. Individuals without cars can access the centre through a separate walk-in assessment and testing area.

Your family doctor will receive your results, or a health official will contact you if the test is found to be positive.

The Ontario government is working on increasing its testing to about 14,000 people daily.