On May 25, a directive was sent to Ontario Assessment Centres to provide testing to support the early detection of individuals who have COVID-19. This type of testing will provide valuable information about the spread of the virus in different communities across the province and help in the protection of vulnerable populations and people in our area.
The approach to testing will continue to evolve, based on evidence and the public health indicators that are being closely monitored.
Should you get tested?
The province is recommending that people come forward and get tested who meet the criteria below.
- All people with at least one symptom of COVID-19, even mild symptoms. Please see the list of symptoms on the assessment tool here: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/
- People who do not have symptoms but are concerned that they have been exposed to COVID-19. This includes people who are contacts of or may have been exposed to a confirmed or suspected case.
- People who do not have symptoms but feel they are at risk of exposure to COVID-19 through their employment, including essential workers (e.g., health care workers, grocery store employees, food processing plant employees).
No person who is symptomatic or who is concerned they have been exposed to COVID-19 will be declined a test at an assessment centre.
How to get tested?
The Ministry of Health will have a listing all of the assessment centres on the www.ontario.ca website for people to find assessment centres in any area. People no longer need to be referred to an assessment centre by Telehealth Ontario, Primary Care, or Public Health. Our Assessment Centres will likely experience increased volume as a result of this directive so there may be longer wait times to be tested.
Getting your results:
You can see your results on line at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/. You will need your Health Card number to access them. You will also be contacted by the health care provider that did your test. If you have not been contacted about your results within 7 days and do not have access to view your results online, please call the Health Unit 1-800-660-5853. All positive tests will be followed up by public health.
The Health Unit has staff answering COVID-19 related questions and concerns for the public from 8:30am to 4:30pm every day at 1-800-660-5853 extension 2499. Public Health Inspectors are also available to discuss environmental health concerns. You can also get more information about COVID-19 by visiting www.healthunit.org/coronavirus or by connecting with LGLHealthUnit on Facebook and Twitter.
