COVID-19 Testing

Last updated: March 10, 2023

To reduce the spread of all respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, anyone who feels sick should stay home and complete the self-assessment tool to learn more about what to do next. Find out if you are eligible for COVID-19 treatment, continue to follow public health measures and stay up-to-date with your vaccinations including a COVID-19 booster for the best protection.

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms (even if mild) and are at higher risk of severe illness: seek testing and care immediately. Take the Ontario Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Self Assessment for recommendations on what to do next. You may benefit from available therapies to prevent severe illness. Find out more about treatment and if you’re eligible.

Note: OHIP coverage is not needed for COVID-19 assessment or testing, and treatment is free of charge. COVID-19 testing is not provided at Toronto Public Health offices.

Visit the Ministry of Health’s website to find out if you are eligible for  COVID-19 testing and treatment including how to get your test results.

Clinical Assessment Centres are able to assess, test and provide treatment options to eligible individuals with COVID-19, cough, cold and flu symptoms. Some centres can also assess children.

Indigenous residents can receive integrated COVID-19 testing (including case management, contact tracing, outreach supports, and referrals) at Auduzhe Mino Nesewinong and Anishnawbe Health Toronto’s mobile healing unit which are Indigenous-led COVID-19 assessment and testing centres, located in Midtown Toronto and Downtown Toronto, respectively.

Assessment Centre
 Details
Auduzhe Mino Nesewinong (Place of Healthy Breathing)

Comprehensive First Nations, Inuit and Métis specific COVID-19 response program

 Address: 22 Vaughan Rd.

Hours:

  • Monday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Telephone: 416-654-4184

Age Restrictions: None

This clinic is designed to address barriers in culturally safe access for First Nations, Inuit and Métis (FNIM); or people who live with and, or, work closely with FNIM people.

To book an appointment or make a referral please call 416-654-4184 or email appointments@healthybreathing.co.

More information.
Anishnawbe Health Toronto Mobile Healing Team

Photo of Anishnawbe Health Team Mobile Healing Bus

 Locations, dates and hours:

For questions please call 416-920-2605 x 269

Who should use a Rapid Antigen Test:

Ontario is distributing free rapid antigen tests to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. To learn more about when a rapid antigen test should be used, see the Ontario government website.

If you are receiving rapid antigen tests  as part of frequent screen testing (asymptomatic testing one or more times per week), you can resume screening using rapid antigen tests 30 days after a confirmed COVID-19 infection (confirmed with a PCR or Rapid Antigen Test).

At this time, a positive rapid antigen test is sufficient to start COVID-19 treatment for those who are eligible.

How to use a Rapid Antigen Test:

Rapid Antigen Tests are less likely to pick up the COVID-19 Omicron strain. When the cheeks, back of the tongue or throat and nostrils are also swabbed, the rapid antigen tests are better at finding Omicron.

Learn more on how to collect a sample for a rapid antigen test or review the video instructions for adults and children.

Who should use a PCR test:

Visit the Ministry of Health’s website for information on who is eligible for PCR testing.

It is not recommended to get a PCR test if you do not have symptoms of COVID-19. Testing is only recommended if you develop symptoms and are eligible.

Based on the results of your PCR or Rapid Antigen Test, do the following:

Positive PCR

Negative PCR

  • You likely do not have COVID-19 and you can end self-isolation when your symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (48 hours for gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and/or diarrhea).

Positive Rapid Antigen Test

  • You most likely have COVID-19. Visit our page for people who have COVID-19 to find if you will need to self-isolate and what you need to do to prevent further spread. Positive rapid antigen tests do NOT need to be confirmed by PCR/rapid molecular test and do not need to be reported to the public health unit.

Negative Rapid Antigen Test

  • If you have COVID-19 symptoms, a single negative rapid antigen test does not mean that you do not have COVID-19 infection.
  • If you have COVID-19 symptoms and two consecutive rapid antigen tests, separated by 24-48 hours are both negative, it is less likely you have a COVID-19 infection. Self-isolate until you no longer have fever and your symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and/or diarrhea).

Note: If you are a close contact of a person with COVID-19, find out What To Do If You Are a Close Contact.

To prevent community transmission of infectious diseases, it is important to follow the daily screening and stay home when sick.

Rapid antigen tests will be available to individuals in school and child care settings. Distribution of tests and directions for use will follow provincial testing guidance. Tests will be available to:

  • Students and staff in publicly funded schools and;
  • Child care providers/staff and children up to 5 years old in licensed child care settings.

Refer to Respiratory Viruses: Information for Parents & Caregivers for more information.