COVID-19 Testing

Who May Be Tested at an Assessment Centre

You can get a COVID-19 test at an assessment centre if any of the following apply to you:

• Symptoms and exposure
  • currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
  • have been exposed to a COVID-19 positive person (if you know when you were exposed, get tested 7 days after your last exposure and stay in self-isolation. If you do not know when you were exposed, get tested right away)
  • received a Covid Alert app exposure notification
  • a resident or worker in a setting that has a COVID-19 outbreak, as identified by your local public health unit
• Long-term care and other congregate settings
  • a worker (including support workers), visitor (including caregivers), or government inspector of a long-term care home
  • a worker (including support workers), visitor (including caregivers), or government inspector of a retirement home
  • a resident or worker in a homeless shelter or other congregate setting (for example, group homes, community supported living, disability-specific communities or congregate settings, short-term rehab, hospices and other shelters)
• Farming
  • a farm worker
• Indigenous
  • a person who identifies as Indigenous
  • a person travelling into remote/isolated First Nation and Indigenous communities for work purposes
• Child care
  • staff in child care settings
• Surgery and other reasons
  • need a test before a scheduled (non-urgent or emergent) surgery in a region with high community transmission (ask your health care provider)
  • you received a point-of-care test (such as a rapid test) and require a follow-up lab-based test to confirm results
  • a person, and one accompanying caregiver, with written prior approval for out-of-country medical services from the General Manager, OHIP
  • any other targeted testing group as outlined in guidance from the Chief Medical Officer of Health

* Targeted testing populations may change from time to time

Who May Be Tested at a Participating Pharmacy

You can get a COVID-19 test at a participating pharmacy if you do not have symptoms, have not been in close physical contact with someone who currently has COVID-19, are not part of a specific outbreak investigation, and if any of the following apply to you:

• Long-term care and other congregate settings
  • a resident, worker (including support workers), visitor (including caregivers), or government inspector of a long-term care home
  • a resident, worker (including support workers), visitor (including caregivers), or government inspector of a retirement home
  • a resident or worker in a homeless shelter or other congregate setting (for example, group homes, community supported living, disability-specific communities or congregate settings, short-term rehab, hospices and other shelters)
• Child care
  • staff in child care settings
  • children attending child care settings
• Indigenous
  • a person who identifies as Indigenous
  • a person travelling into remote/isolated First Nation and Indigenous communities for work purposes
• Other reasons
  • a person who needs out-of-country medical services, and one accompanying caregiver (with written prior approval from the OHIP General Manager as requested by a referring physician)
  • a farm worker
  • campers and staff who plan to attend an overnight summer camp in 2021

* Targeted testing populations may change from time to time

Who Should Go to Their Nearest Emergency Department

People who are experiencing at least one of the symptoms of COVID-19 and have any of the following signs of severe illness:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Weakness
• Lethargy or drowsiness
• Dizziness

If you are not well enough to take personal transportation, call 911.

The following infants and children should also be assessed in the emergency department:

• Infants under 3 months of age with fever or trouble breathing or appear unwell
• Children and infants over 3 months of age with any of the following:
• • Fever longer than 7 days
  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  • Bluish skin colour
  • Not drinking enough fluids
  • Not waking up or not interacting
  • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
  • Fever with a rash
  • Constant vomiting
  • Immune compromised with a fever

Unsure if You Should Be Tested for COVID-19

People who are unsure if they should be tested for COVID-19 should:

• Take the Ministry of Health’s self-assessment , or
• Call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 and speak with a registered nurse who will advise whether you will require further care or potential testing in person, or
• Call their primary care provider

Assessment Centre Locations & Details

Book an Appointment

You will need an appointment to get tested at all assessment centres and select pharmacies. Contact the assessment centre or pharmacy to book your test.

Assessment Centre Locations & Details

See criteria for who may be tested at an assessment centre. Please note summertime changes to hours of operation.

Assessment Centre	Details
Humber River Hospital, Reactivation Care Centre – Finch Site	Address: 2111 Finch Ave. W.  Hours: Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, August 2: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Telephone: 416-747-5474 Age Restrictions: None For general inquiries, information about booking an appointment or accessing your test results call 416-747-5474 or visit the Humber River Hospital website. Accessibility: Accommodates wheelchairs and mobility devices Translation services: Available Same day appointments: Available
Michael Garron Hospital	Address: 825 Coxwell Ave., entrance is off of Mortimer Avenue, west of the Emergency Department. Hours: Book appointments 7 days a week, including holidays, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Telephone: 416-469-6858 Age Restrictions: None For more information or to book an appointment, visit the Michael Garron Hospital website. If you do not have a smart phone or computer, you may book over the phone at 416-469-6858. Call centre hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Accessibility: Accommodates wheelchairs and mobility devices Translation services: Available Same day appointments: Available
North York General Hospital – Branson Site	Address: 555 Finch Ave. W.  (North Entrance, immediately off Finch) Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Monday, August 2. Telephone: 416-635-2509 Age Restrictions: None For more information or to book an appointment, visit the North York General Hospital website. Or call 416-635-2509 to book your appointment over the phone or if you require further assistance or need accommodations. An agent, who will be able to assist you with your visit needs, is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 7 days a week. Accessibility: Accommodates wheelchairs and mobility devices Translation services: Available Same day appointments: Available
Rexdale Community Hub Community testing clinic	Address: Unit 15 – 21 Panorama Court Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Telephone: 416-748-4650 or 416-748-4654
Scarborough Health Network – Birchmount Hospital	Address: 3030 Birchmount Road Hours: 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Telephone: 416-495-2601 For more information or to book an appointment, visit the Scarborough Health Network website. If you have challenges scheduling online, you may call 416-495-2601 (daily between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.) for support.
Scarborough Health Network – Centenary Hospital	Address: 2867 Ellesmere Road Hours: 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Telephone: 416-495-2601 For more information or to book an appointment, visit the Scarborough Health Network website. If you have challenges scheduling online, you may call 416-495-2601 (daily between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.) for support.
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre	Address: Vaughan Estate on Sunnybrook’s Bayview Campus, 80 Armistice Dr. Hours: 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Age Restrictions: No children under the age of 1 year For more information or to book an appointment, visit the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre website. For those unable to use the online booking system, call the dedicated phone line at 416-480-4559 to book an appointment between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 7 days a week. Accessibility: Accommodates wheelchairs and mobility devices Translation services: Available Same day appointments: Available
UHN Toronto Western Hospital	Address: 347 Bathurst St.  Northeast corner of Bathurst and Dundas Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and holidays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Age Restrictions: No children under the age of 1 year For more information or to book an appointment, visit the University Health Network website. If you require accommodation or are unable to use the online booking tool, please speak to the security guard at the entrance.
Unity – St. Joseph’s Health Centre	Address: 30 The Queensway  Sunnyside Building, 1st Floor, enter through the Sunnyside Avenue entrance Hours: 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Telephone: 416-530-6720 Age Restrictions: No children under the age of 1 year For more information or to book an appointment, visit the Unity Health website. Individuals who do not have phone or internet access may book a future appointment at the Assessment Centre. People experiencing homelessness who are unable to book an appointment and meet the criteria for testing may be tested at the assessment centre during regular hours of operation.
Women’s College Hospital	Address: 76 Grenville St.  Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Telephone: 416-800-1945 Age Restrictions: None For more information or to pre-register for an appointment, visit the Women’s College Hospital website. If you require any special supports or accommodations ahead of your appointment, or to cancel an existing appointment, please call our COVID-19 Assessment Phone Line: 416-800-1945 for information and assistance. Accessibility: Accommodates wheelchairs and mobility devices Translation services: Available Same day appointments: Available

 

Pop-up Testing Sites

Pop-up testing sites are arranged through assessment centres and Ontario’s Ministry of Health to facilitate assessment and testing. Please note there may be additional pop-up testing sites that are not listed below.

Location	Details
Flemingdon Park* Angela James Arena* 165 Grenoble Drive	Drop-ins available. Dates: September 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15 and 18 Hours: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Last test is at 6:45 p.m. Testing may finish earlier depending on client volumes. Age Restrictions: Accepts all ages over 3 months. For more information, please visit the Michael Garron Hospital website.
Oakridge* The Hub at Warden Woods Community Centre* 76 Firvalley Court	Drop-ins available. Dates: September 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26 and 29 (every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) Hours: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Last test is at 6:45 p.m. Testing may finish earlier depending on client volumes. Age Restrictions: Accepts all ages over 3 months. For more information, please visit the Michael Garron Hospital website.
Taylor-Massey* Crescent Town Health Centre 4 The Market Place	Drop-ins available. Dates: September 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23 25, 28 and 30 (every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) Hours: 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Last test is at 6:15 p.m. Testing may finish earlier depending on client volumes. Age Restrictions: Accepts all ages over 3 months. For more information, please visit the Michael Garron Hospital website.
Thorncliffe Park* TNO Youth Centre* 45 Overlea Blvd., Unit 108A	Drop-ins available. Dates: September 2, 3, 5, 6-13 Hours: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Last test is at 6:45 p.m. Testing may finish earlier depending on client volumes. Age Restrictions: Accepts all ages over 3 months. For more information, please visit the Michael Garron Hospital website.
East York* East York Community Centre 1081 ½ Pape Avenue	Drop-ins available. Dates: September 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26 (every Saturday and Sunday) Hours: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Last test is at 6:45 p.m. Testing may finish earlier depending on client volumes. Age Restrictions: Accepts all ages over 3 months. For more information, please visit the Michael Garron Hospital website.
South Riverdale* 955 Queen Street East	Drop-ins available. Dates:  September 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27 and 29 (every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last registration at 4:30 p.m.; to ensure you receive a test, please arrive before 4:30 p.m. Age Restrictions: Accepts all ages over 3 months. For more information, please visit the Michael Garron Hospital website.
Parkway Forest Community Centre 55 Forest Manor Road	Dates: Saturday, September 25 and October 2 and 9, 2021 Hours: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Carefirst One-Stop Multi-Services Centre 300 Silver Star Boulevard	Dates: Saturdays Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. By appointment only. Please pre-book at www.carefirstontario.ca.

*Organized by East Toronto Health Partners. Please note that testing at each temporary COVID-19 testing site may finish earlier depending on client volumes.

Pharmacy Locations & Details

Participating pharmacy locations  offer free testing by appointment only to individuals who meet the criteria.

Individuals must follow public health measures when going for a test, including wearing a mask, practising physical distancing and cleaning hands frequently. If you are feeling sick on the day of your appointment, please stay home and re-schedule your test.

Indigenous-led COVID-19 Testing

Indigenous peoples can now receive integrated COVID-19 testing, including case management, contract tracing, outreach supports, and referrals at Auduzhe Mino Nesewinong, an Indigenous-led COVID-19 assessment and testing centre or through Anishnawbe Health Toronto mobile healing unit.

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, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 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	Locations, dates and hours: CRC – 40 Oak Street: Monday, September 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monarch Park and Felstead Avenue: Tuesday, September 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. BYNG Towers – 3330 Danforth Avenue: Wednesday, September 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cliffside Food Bank – 2229 Kingston Road: Friday, October 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Types of Testing

Lab-Based Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Tests:

PCR testing identifies genetic material from the COVID-19 virus and is the most accurate kind of COVID-19 testing. There are several different ways to collect a specimen for PCR testing:

• Nasopharyngeal (NP) test – A swab is inserted far up the nostril. This test is performed by a healthcare provider. This test is the most commonly provided test at assessment centres, and is the preferred option for COVID-19 testing as it provides the most accurate results.
• Oral-nasal swab – The swab is inserted inside of the mouth and front of nostril for less than 5 seconds. Oral nasal swabs do not need to be collected by a healthcare provider. This method may be more comfortable than a NP test, particularly for children, since it is less invasive compared to the NP swab.
• Saliva test – Individuals spit into a tube rather than have their nose or throat swabbed. This method may be used for children or adults that cannot provide a nasal swab sample. Some testing partners are providing saliva kits for family and staff to take home, collect the sample and then drop off for analysis by a lab.

All of the above PCR tests need to be analyzed at a lab. Results are generally available between 24-72 hours. See how to get your test results.

Point of Care Testing ( POCT) – also called Rapid Testing

Rapid Antigen Test:

This testing method identifies proteins (also called antigens) on the outer surface of the virus. This type of testing is not as accurate as PCR testing.

• Rapid antigen tests are used for screening purposes for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19.
• If you have symptoms, or are a close contact of a positive case of COVID-19, get a lab-based PCR test instead.
• If the rapid antigen test result is positive, self-isolate at home and arrange for a PCR test within 24 hours. Continue to self-isolate while waiting for your PCR test result.

Rapid Molecular Testing:

Molecular testing is for both diagnostic and screening purposes. All POCT positives from molecular tests must be reported to the local public health unit.

More Information:

• World Health Organization Coronavirus Disease Episode #14: COVID-19 Tests

Testing for Children with Medical Complexity & Developmental Disorders

In Toronto, two specialized assessment centres are available to support COVID-19 testing for children with medical complexity and children with developmental disorders. These centres offer on-site pediatric resources and accommodations for mobility, communication, behavioural and other specialized health needs.

Eligibility:

Children may be tested at these specialized assessment centres if they have:

• Highly challenging behaviours due to neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g. autism, developmental delay)
• Active use of medical technology due to medical complexity, including aerosol generating medical procedures (e.g. tracheostomy)
• Severe immunocompromising disorders or bleeding disorders due to haematological or other conditions (e.g. childhood cancer, anticoagulation therapy)
• Extreme procedural anxiety due to mental health disorders (e.g. panic attacks)
• Upper airway anomalies or open wound in the area of the nose or mouth, congenital or other (e.g. nasal stents/tumours, mucositis)

Locations and details:

Assessment Centre	Details
Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)	Address: 555 University Ave. By appointment only. Call 416-419-4623 to book. Call centre hours: Monday to Thursday 8a.m. to 8p.m. Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sundays. More information: Sick Kids COVID-19 Testing for Select Groups
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehab Hospital	Address: 150 Kilgour Rd. By appointment only. Call 416-419-4623 to book. Call centre hours: Monday to Thursday 8a.m. to 8p.m. Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sundays. More Information: Holland Bloorview and COVID-19.

School Take Home PCR Test Program

Toronto Public Health (TPH) continues to work closely with Toronto Region-Ontario Health, local testing partners and the school boards to ensure timely, equitable access to COVID-19 testing for students and staff and to ensure efficiencies at COVID-19 Assessment Centres during the school year.

For the 2021/2022 school year, local testing partners (Hospital for Sick Children, Michael Garron Hospital and Women’s College Hospital) will be providing take-home/self-collection PCR testing kits (either saliva or mouth swabs) for all publicly-funded schools in the City of Toronto. Take home kits will also be available for independent schools that wish to participate in the program.

About Take Home Testing Kits for Schools:

• The take home kits are available for symptomatic students and staff and asymptomatic individuals who have been identified as close contacts of a positive COVID-19 case.
• These testing kits are polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and require processing at a laboratory. Results are generally available in 48-72 hours.
• Parents/caregivers are encouraged to connect with their school administration regarding the availability of testing kits during the school year.
• Where onsite kits are not available, testing response will be triaged by Toronto Region – Ontario Health to hospital testing partners based on geography as needed.
• COVID-19 Assessment Centres (CACs) and community testing venues will be used as needed (i.e. weekends, surge capacity).
• Schools and hospital testing partners will reach out to parents to provide detailed program plans and requirements.

 

Testing for International Travel

The Government of Canada continues to recommend against non-essential travel.

The Ontario Government does not cover the cost of COVID-19 testing for international travel. These tests are only available at private laboratories for a fee. Toronto Public Health does not provide recommendations regarding the choice of private laboratories for travel testing, but information is available on the internet.

Travellers entering Canada, regardless of citizenship, must follow testing and quarantine requirements to keep everyone safe. COVID-19 testing may be required pre-entry, upon arrival, and on day 8 following entry. Beginning July 5, 2021, there are some exemptions for eligible fully vaccinated travellers.  Further information about returning to Canada from abroad can be found on the Government of Canada website.

Get Your Test Results

How to get your test results

• Access COVID-19 tests results online:
  • In order to get your results on this site, you will need either the Ontario health card you used to get your test, or a label with a medical record number (MRN) and verification code.
  • Follow the prompts
  • Note: Not all laboratories report results through this website.
• If you cannot access test results through this site, please contact the testing location, your doctor or health care provider.
• Toronto residents who have trouble getting their results may contact Toronto Public Health (TPH) at 416-338-7600.

• If your test result is positive, the assessment centre and/or TPH will contact you to let you know when you can stop self-isolating. If there is a discrepancy between the isolation dates provided by the assessment centre and TPH, you must follow TPH directions, as per the Section 22 Class Order.
• You will not be contacted if your test result is negative.

Do I need to have a negative follow-up test before I return to work?

• You do not require a negative COVID-19 test result to return to work. You may return to work when your period of self-isolation ends, providing you do not have a fever and your symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if you have gastrointestinal symptoms). In addition, you will need to pass the COVID-19 screening questionnaire to enter your workplace.

What does a negative COVID-19 test mean?

• A negative COVID-19 test means you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected.
• It does not mean that you will not be exposed to, test positive for, or become sick with COVID-19 in the future.
• Continue to take steps to protect yourself and others from getting infected with COVID-19.
• If you continue to have symptoms, keep monitoring them and stay at home. If they continue or worsen, call your doctor or an assessment centre about getting tested again.

What does a positive test mean?

• A positive COVID-19 test means you are most likely infected now and could infect others.
• You should self-isolate and monitor for symptoms when you have tested positive, even if you don’t have symptoms.

Can the test tell me if I had COVID-19 in the past (but not now)?

• No, the test only determines if you have COVID-19 at the time the test is conducted.
• Testing someone’s blood to see if they have antibodies for COVID-19 can tell if a person previously had COVID-19 however, in Ontario, this test is only done in very limited clinical situations.

Follow-up Instructions for Individuals Tested for COVID-19

I am a health care worker:

• The guidance below does not apply to health care workers. Refer to the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Quick Reference Public Health Guidance on Testing and Clearance and follow up with your Occupational Health and Safety Department, if applicable.

I am not a health care worker:

I have not been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 but I have COVID-19 symptoms:

Regardless of your vaccination status or if you previously tested positive for COVID-19, you must follow these recommendations:

• Self–isolate while waiting for your test results.
• If your test is positive, self-isolate for 10 days* after your symptoms started. After 10 days you can stop self-isolating if you don’t have a fever and your symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (48 hours for gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea).
• If your test is negative, you may stop self-isolating if you no longer have a fever and your symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours, or after 10 days following mild symptom onset without worsening, whichever is sooner. If you experienced nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or stomach pain, you should wait at least 48 hours after receiving a negative test until ending self-isolation.
• Seek out medical attention if your condition worsens or you develop any worrisome features (e.g. shortness of breath, chest pain).
• Household members who are fully vaccinated or previously positive do not need to self-isolate. If household members are not fully vaccinated they should self-isolate until you get a negative test. If you test positive, they must self-isolate for 10 days from their last contact with you and be tested at an Assessment Centre right away and again on or after day 7.

* Self-isolate for 20 days from symptom onset (or 20 days from positive test collection date if you do not have symptoms and are severely immunocompromised) if you had severe illness requiring ICU level of care or have a severely weakened immune system (e.g. on cancer chemotherapy).

I have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19

Refer to the Ministry of Health’s flow chart for people who have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

I was tested due to an upcoming surgery/medical procedure (I do not have symptoms and was not exposed to a person who tested positive for COVID-19)

• You are not required to self-isolate while waiting for your test results.
• Please contact the physician responsible for your upcoming surgery/medical procedure for more comprehensive guidance.

Testing after travelling abroad

Travellers entering Canada, regardless of citizenship, must follow testing and quarantine requirements to keep everyone safe. COVID-19 testing may be required pre-entry, upon arrival, and on day 8 following entry. Beginning July 5, 2021, there are some exemptions for eligible fully vaccinated travellers.  Further information about returning to Canada from abroad can be found on the Government of Canada website: COVID-19 travel, testing, quarantine and borders.

Note: For all above scenarios, when you finish self-isolating, continue to physically distance from others, clean your hands often, self–monitor, and get re-tested if you develop one of more COVID-19 symptoms. Also wear a mask or face covering in all indoor public spaces (as per City of Toronto by-law and O. Reg 364) and when physical distancing is not possible.

Definitions

Fully immunized person – In Ontario, you are considered fully vaccinated if you have received:

• The full series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada , or any combination of such vaccines
• One or two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada, followed by one dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine authorized by Health Canada, or
• Three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada.

In all scenarios, you must have received your final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days ago.

Previously positive person – A person is defined as previously positive if they were a confirmed case of COVID-19 where their initial positive result was 90 days ago or less AND they have been cleared from their initial infection.

Exposure – in general, this includes household, prolonged (>15 minutes cumulative) or close (<2 meters) contact, as well as other potentially high risk contacts.

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Download the follow-up instructions for individuals who have been tested for COVID-19.