COVID-19 Testing


Last updated: May 12, 2021 at 2:35 p.m.

If you have one or more symptoms of COVID-19 or think you may have been exposed to the virus, take the Ministry of Health’s self-assessment to find out if you should get tested.

The self-assessment is also available in French.

Take the Self-Assessment

Find out what you need to do if you have symptoms or think you may have been exposed to COVID-19.

 

There is a test for COVID-19 which tells you if you have the infection right now. You should get tested for COVID-19 if:

  • You have one or more symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild;
  • You have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, as informed by public health or through the COVID Alert app;
  • Public health has asked you to get tested (e.g. there are cases of COVID-19 in your workplace or school); or
  • You are eligible for testing as part of a targeted testing initiative directed by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Long-Term Care or other Ministries.

Toronto Public Health offices are not an assessment centre and testing is not provided at our offices. OHIP coverage is not required for COVID-19 assessment or testing. Review the information below or see the map of COVID-19 testing locations in Toronto to find out where you can get tested.

Download the Get Tested infographic (also available in Amharic | Arabic | Bengali | Simplified Chinese | Traditional Chinese | Dari | Farsi | French | Gujarati | Hindi | Hungarian | Karen | Korean | Nepali | Pashto | Polish | Portuguese | Punjabi | Russian | Serbian | Sinhala | Somali | Spanish | Tagalog | Tamil | Tigrinya | Turkish | Ukrainian | Urdu | Vietnamese) or watch an American Sign Language (ASL) translation.

Individuals who:

  • Have symptoms of COVID-19, or
  • Have been exposed to a confirmed case of the virus, as notified by local public health or the COVID Alert app, or
  • Live or work in a setting that has a COVID-19 outbreak, as identified by the local public health unit, or
  • Are eligible for testing as part of a targeted testing initiative* as determined by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Long-Term Care or other Ministries, including:
    • Residents or workers in long-term care homes
    • Visitors to a long-term care home
    • Residents or workers in homeless shelters
    • International students
    • Farm workers
    • Indigenous communities
    • Other setting-specific populations (e.g. asymptomatic cancer patients and pre-operative surgical patients as directed by their treating clinicians)
  • Children and teenagers who are indicated to get tested based on the Ministry’s COVID-19 school and child care screening

* Targeted testing populations may change from time to time

Individuals who:

  • Do not have symptoms of COVID-19, and
  • Are eligible for testing as part of a targeted testing initiative* as determined by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Long-Term Care or other Ministries, including:
    • Residents or workers in long-term care homes
    • Visitors to a long-term care home
    • Residents or workers in homeless shelters
    • International students that have passed their 14 day quarantine period
    • Farm workers
    • Indigenous communities

* Targeted testing populations may change from time to time

Do not visit a pharmacy if:

  • You have any symptoms of COVID-19, or
  • In the past 14 days, you have been identified as a close contact of a person with confirmed COVID-19, or
  • You have been advised by your local public health unit to get tested for COVID-19 due to an exposure to a confirmed case or as part of an outbreak investigation, or
  • You have been advised to get tested through an exposure notification through the COVID-19 app, or
  • In the past 14 days, you returned from travel outside of Canada

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

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 guide whether you will require further care or potential testing in person, or
  • call their primary care provider

Book an Appointment

As of Tuesday, October 6, you will need an appointment to get a test 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.

Assessment Centre
 Details
Etobicoke General Hospital Address: 101 Humber College Blvd. Enter through the South East entrance/former Emergency Department.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., by appointment only

Age Restrictions: No children under the age of 2 years

Book an appointment online or by calling 905-487-1249, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 days a week.

For more information, visit the William Osler Health System COVID-19 Assessment Centres webpage.
Humber River Hospital, Church Site Address: 200 Church St. (Highway 401 and Jane)

Hours:

  • Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Saturday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Note: Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 2 and Monday, April 5

Telephone: 416-243-4333

Age Restrictions: No children under the age of 2 years old

For general inquiries, information about booking an appointment or accessing your test results call 416-243-4333 or visit the Humber River Hospital website.

  • Accessibility: Accommodates wheelchairs and mobility devices
  • Translation services: Available
  • Same day appointments: Available
Humber River Hospital, Reactivation Care Centre – Finch Site Address: 2111 Finch Ave. W. 

Hours:

  • Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Saturday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Note: Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, April 2 and Monday, April 5

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
Mount Sinai Hospital Address: 600 University Ave.,ground floor, entrance is just north of the main entrance

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on Friday, April 2.

Telephone: 416-586-4800 extension 4123

Age Restrictions: None

For more information or to book an appointment, visit the Sinai Health website. If you are unable to book an appointment online, please call the Assessment Centre at 416-586-4800 x 4123 and select option 4. Please provide your first and last name, details of any special supports required (translation services, etc.) and a call back number. The Assessment Centre will get back to you within 48 hours, Monday through Friday.

  • Accessibility: Accommodates wheelchairs and mobility devices
  • Translation services: Available
North York General Hospital – Branson Site Address: 555 Finch Ave. W.  (North Entrance, immediately off Finch)

Hours: 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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 – Centre for Immigrant and Community Services Address: 2330 Midland Avenue

Hours: 7 days/week, 8 a.m. to 6 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 – UTSC Highland Hall Address: 1265 Military Trail

Hours: 7 days/week, 8 a.m. to 6 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 Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, 12 p.m. to 8 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 8 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.
Unity – St. Michael’s Hospital Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute

Address: 38 Shuter St. 

Enter from the Shuter Street entrance on the east side of the building

Hours:

  • Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Holidays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Telephone: 416-864-5800

Age Restrictions: No children under 6 months of age

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: 7 days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 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
East York*

East York Community Centre

1081 ½ Pape Avenue 

 Drop-ins available.

Dates: May 2-5, 9-12, 16-19, 23-26 and 30-31, 2021 (every Sunday to Wednesday)

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.
Flemingdon Park*

Dennis R. Timbrell Resource Centre

29 St. Dennis Drive 

 Drop-ins available. Appointments can also be booked at this location by calling 647-477-1640.

Dates: May 1-2, 7-9, 14-16, 21-23 and 28-30 (every Friday to 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.
Flemingdon Park*

Angela James Arena*

165 Grenoble Drive 

 Drop-ins available. Appointments can also be booked at this location by calling 647-477-1640.

Dates: May 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 24-26 and 31 (every Monday to Wednesday)

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. Appointments can also be booked at this location by calling 416-613-8061.

Dates: May 3-7, 10-14, 17-21, 24-28 and 31 (every Monday to Friday)

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. To book an appointment, call 647-477-1640.

Dates: May 1-31, 2021

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*

Oakridge Community Recreation Centre

63 Pharmacy Avenue

 Drop-ins available. Appointments can also be booked at this location by calling 416-613-8061.

Dates: May 1-2, 6-9, 13-16, 20-23 and 27-30 (every Thursday to 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.
Warden Woods*

The Hub at Warden Woods Community Centre

76 Firvalley Court 

 Drop-ins available. Appointments can also be booked at this location by calling 416-613-8061.

Dates: May 1-2, 6-9, 13-16, 20-23 and 27-30 (every Thursday to Sunday)

Hours: 1 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.
Jane Street Hub

1541 Jane Street

 Dates and hours:

  • Tuesday, May 4, 11, 18 and 25 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 8 and 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Call 416-645-7575, extension 3113 to book an appointment.
South Riverdale*

South Riverdale Community Health Centre

955 Queen Street East

Testing takes place outside at the back of the building in the parking lot.

 Drop-ins available.

Dates: Monday, May 3, 10, 17 and 31

Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Age Restrictions: Accepts all ages over 3 months.

For more information, please visit the Michael Garron Hospital website.
Milliken Park Community Centre

4325 McCowan Road

 Dates: Every Wednesday, starting December 23, 2020

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, visit the Scarborough Health Network website.
Scarborough Village Recreation Centre

3600 Kingston Road

 Dates: Every Thursday

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, visit the Scarborough Health Network website.
Malvern Family Resource Centre

90 Littles Road (parking lot)

 Dates: Every Tuesday, starting February 2, 2021

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Please note that testing at this location will take place in a TTC mobile clinic in the parking lot. For more information, visit the Scarborough Health Network website.
Thistletown Community Centre

925 Albion Road

 Dates: Saturday, May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, and June 5, 12, 19 and 26

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Humberwood Community Centre

850 Humberwood Boulevard

 Dates: Sunday, May 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, and June 6, 13, 20 and 27

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
York Recreation Centre

115 Black Creek Drive

 Dates: Friday, April 9, 16, 23 and 30, and May 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2021

Hours: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Call 416-653-5400 extension 3121 to book an appointment.
Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre

1900 Davenport Road

Dates: Monday, May 3 and 17, 2021

Hours: 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Centennial Arena

156 Centennial Park Road

 Dates: Wednesdays

Hours: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Community members are welcome however, testing will be prioritized for students and their families. This site offers both saliva testing and nasal swabs.
Grandravine Arena

23 Grandravine Drive

 Dates: Thursdays

Hours: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Community members are welcome however, testing will be prioritized for students and their families. This site offers both saliva testing and nasal swabs.
Lawrence Heights Community Centre

5 Replin Road

 Dates: Saturday, May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 and June 5 and 12, 2021

Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Call 416-787-1661 extension 3114 to book an appointment.
Main Square Community Centre*

245 Main Street

 Dates: May 10-12, 17-19, 24-26 and 31 (every Monday to Wednesday)

Hours: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Last test is at 6:45 p.m. Testing may finish earlier depending on client volumes.

For more information, please visit the Michael Garron Hospital website.

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

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

Photo of Anishnawbe Health Team Mobile Healing Bus

 Locations, dates and hours:

Starting Friday, September 25, 2020, participating pharmacy locations will be offering free testing by appointment only to individuals who meet the criteria. More pharmacy locations will make testing available in the coming weeks.

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.

As of Friday, September 25, a saliva collection option for testing will be available in addition to the existing nasal swab option at Women’s College, Mount Sinai and University Health Network―Toronto Western Hospital assessment centres. More assessment centres will offer this method in the coming weeks.

The laboratory testing of saliva is performed the same way as the testing of a nasal swab. What is different is how the sample is collected.

A nasal swab is the best option for COVID-19 testing. The saliva test is less sensitive but is still an acceptable method of testing for certain individuals.

Who can be considered for a saliva test:

  • The current eligibility criteria is focused on individuals that are either:
    1. People with a medical or anatomy problem of the nose that makes it impossible to have an nasal swab; or
    2. Children younger than 16 years of age who cannot tolerate the nasal swab.
  • The health care provider will determine the most appropriate testing method for you.

Preparing for saliva collection:

  • If you meet the criteria for saliva testing, you should be well hydrated by drinking a cup of water 60 minutes before giving a saliva sample.
  • Do not eat, drink, smoke, vape, or chew gum for 30 minutes prior to giving a saliva sample.

Providing the saliva sample:

  • You will be required to stop swallowing and let the saliva pool in your mouth. Then gently release the saliva into the container being careful not to contaminate the outside of the container.
  • A minimum of 2 ml (approximately ½ teaspoon) is required for testing.

Saliva testing processing time:

  • Processing of saliva samples for testing requires additional steps which may increase the time to get your result and may take 24-48 hours longer for your result.

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 immunocompromise 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 hours:

Assessment Centre
 Details
Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) Address: 555 University Ave.

Hours: Monday to Friday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., by appointment only.
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehab Hospital Address: 150 Kilgour Rd.

Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • By appointment only

Book an appointment:

To book an appointment, call 416-419-4623, Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Intake staff can book appointments, as well as respond to questions about the testing centres and accommodations needed.

If the child cannot safely leave home (e.g. continuous aerosol generating medical procedures or severe immunocompromised), staff will redirect for in-home testing, in partnership with their health care provider.

The Ontario Government is no longer covering 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.

The City of Toronto is not recommending international travel at this time. If travel is essential, you will require a negative COVID-19 test to be taken within three days of your return to Canada. Please refer to Government of Canada websites for more information on how to depart and return safely.

You may be eligible to participate in the COVID-19 Testing Pilot at Toronto Pearson Airport. However, even if you participate in this program, you will still need to satisfy the negative test requirement before returning to Canada.

How to get your test results

Use the same identification that you used at the assessment centre to get your results.

  • With an Ontario health card:
    • Visit covid-19.ontario.caand click on “check your results.”
    • Follow the prompts and enter all requested information.
  • Without an Ontario health card:
    • Some assessment centres provide a test label that includes your Medical Reference Number and a Verification Code that will enable you to get your results online. If you are provided with both a Medical Reference Number and a Verification Code, visit covid-19.ontario.ca, click on “check your results,” and select “Other or no identification.”
    • If you did not receive a test label with a Medical Record Number and Verification code, please call the assessment centre where you received your test to get your results.
  • 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.

What does “close contact of a case” mean?

  • A close contact of a case is someone who, in the last 14 days, has been in close physical contact with someone who has tested positive for or has symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Close physical contact includes:
    • being less than two metres/six feet away in the same room, workspace, or area for over 15 minutes;
    • living in the same home; and
    • if you are a health care worker, providing care to the individual without consistently wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment.

What does a negative test mean?

  • If you test negative for COVID-19 it means that you did not have detectable virus at the time your sample was collected.
  • A negative test does not mean that you will not get sick. It also does not mean that you will not be exposed to, test positive for, or become sick with COVID-19 in the future.

What does a positive test mean if I don’t have symptoms?

  • When there is virus in the sample, the test is very effective at picking it up.
  • Even if a person with COVID-19 has fully recovered and is no longer contagious, they may still test positive. Individuals who have tested positive are not recommended to be re-tested if they have completed self-isolation and do not have symptoms.
  • The research on COVID-19 is still evolving.  
  • The significance of a positive test if you have never had symptoms is still unknown.
  • 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.
  • Tests to determine if someone had COVID-19 in the past are not available in Ontario.

What do I do if I get a positive result on a rapid test?

People who test positive for COVID-19 through workplace rapid antigen screening should obtain a confirmatory PCR test at any assessment centre, preferably within 24 hours of the rapid screening test. Results for confirmatory tests conducted by assessment centres are submitted directly to TPH.

While you wait for your confirmatory test results, you must isolate at home, whether you have symptoms or not for 10 days from the first day your symptoms started or the date of your positive rapid test if you didn’t have any symptoms.  After 10 days, you can stop self-isolating if:

  • your fever has stopped on its own (you did not take medications for it), and
  • your symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours.

If you still have a fever and any other symptoms, continue to self-isolate until your fever has stopped and your symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours.  If you do not have symptoms, you must self-isolate for 10 days from the day you were tested.

I am a health care worker

I work in or attend a school (JK – grade 12) or have children that attend school

Follow-Up Instructions

I am a close contact of a COVID-19 case or I have travelled outside Canada in the past 14 days I am not a close contact of a COVID-19 case and I have not travelled outside Canada in the past 14 days
I have symptoms
  • Self-isolate while waiting for your test results.
  • If your test is negative, self-isolate for 14 days from the last day you had contact with the case or from the day you arrived back in Ontario.
  • If you had a negative test that was done before day 7 of your self-isolation, repeat the test on or after day 10 of your self-isolation period.
  • If your test is positive, you must stay home and self-isolate for 10 days* after your symptoms started. After 10 days* you can stop self-isolating if you do not have a fever and your symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours.
  • Household members should also self-isolate while you are waiting for your test results. If you test positive, they must continue to self-isolate for 14 days from their last contact with you and be tested at an Assessment Centre on or after day 10 of their self-isolation.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Household members should also self-isolate while you are waiting for your test results. If you test positive, they must also self-isolate for 14 days from their last contact with you and be tested at an Assessment Centre on or after day 10 of their self-isolation.
I don’t have symptoms
  • Self–isolate for 14 days from the last day you had contact with the case or from the day you arrived back in Ontario, even if your test result is negative, as this is how long it can take for symptoms to appear.
  • If you are a close contact of a case of COVID-19 and had a negative test that was done before day 7 of your self-isolation, repeat the test on or after day 10 of your self-isolation period.
  • If you only received an exposure notification through the COVID Alert app, you are not required to self-isolate if your test result is negative.
  • Household members should stay home except for essential reasons while you are self-isolating. If you test positive, they must also self-isolate for 14 days from their last contact with you and be tested at an Assessment Centre on or after day 10 of their self-isolation.
  • You are not required to self-isolate while waiting for your test results.
  • If your test is positive, self-isolate for 10 days* after the day of your test.
  • Household members may go to work if they do not have symptoms. If you test positive, they must also self-isolate for 14 days from their last contact with you and be tested at an Assessment Centre on or after day 10 of their self-isolation.

* Self-isolate for 20 days if you were hospitalized and required ICU level care or have a severely weakened immune system (e.g. you are undergoing cancer chemotherapy). Self-isolate for 14 days if you have tested positive for COVID-19 upon returning from abroad.

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.

Testing after travelling abroad

Travellers from abroad must be tested for COVID-19 on or after day 10 of their mandatory quarantine period using an At Home Specimen Collection Kit. Further information about returning to Canada from abroad can be found on the Government of Canada website.

Download the follow-up instructions for individuals who have been tested for COVID-19 (also available in Amharic | Arabic | Bengali | Simplified Chinese | Dari | Farsi | French | Gujarati | Pashto | Portuguese | Punjabi | Somali | Spanish | Tamil | Urdu | Vietnamese).

If you have symptoms or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19:

I have tested positive for COVID-19

Household members without symptoms

If you test positive:

  • If you have symptoms, you must stay home and self-isolate for 10 days* after your symptoms started.
  • If you do not have symptoms, stay at home for 10 days* from the date you were tested.
  • Young children may have ongoing mild symptoms, such as a runny nose. If it is not new or worse, they may go back to school after the 10 days* if they do not have other symptoms.
  • Notify your school that you tested positive for COVID-19.
  • Toronto Public Health will contact you with further instructions.
  • All household members will have to self-isolate for at least 14 days from last time they were with the person who tested positive. Seek testing at an Assessment Centre as soon as possible.

 

I have tested negative but have symptoms

Household members without symptoms

If you tested negative, have symptoms but are not a close contact:

  • You may go back to school once your symptoms have been improving* for 24 hours.
  • Young children may have ongoing mild symptoms, such as a runny nose. If it is not new or worse, they may go back to school if they don’t have other symptoms.
  • Children and adults in the same household who attend a school setting can return to school.

If you tested negative, have symptoms and are a close contact of someone with COVID-19:

  • You must stay home and self-isolate for 14 days from last exposure to the case.
  • If you had a negative test that was done before day 7 of your self-isolation, repeat the test on or after day 10 of your self-isolation period.
  • If the initial test was collected on or after day 7 of self-isolation, repeat testing on or after day 10 is not recommended.
  • After 14 days self-isolation you may return to school or work as long as you do not have symptoms.
  • Children in the same household who attend a school setting will also need to stay home until you complete your self-isolation period
  • Adults in the home, including parents, who attend a school setting, need to self-monitor for symptoms, but may go to work as long as they do not have symptoms.

If you tested negative, have symptoms and have travelled outside of Canada:

  • You must stay home and self-isolate for 14 days from your return to Canada.
  • After 14 days of self-isolation you may return to school or work as long as you do not have symptoms.
  • Children and adults in the same household who attend a school setting will also need to stay home until you complete your 14 day travel self-isolation period.
  • Adults in the home, including parents, who do not attend a school setting, need to self-monitor for symptoms, but may go to work as long as they do not have symptoms.

 

I have tested negative but do not have symptoms

Household members without symptoms

If you test negative, do not have symptoms, but were exposed to someone with COVID-19:

  • You must stay home and self-isolate for 14 days from the last day of exposure to the case.
  • If you had a negative test that was done before day 7 of your self-isolation, repeat the test on or after day 10 of your self-isolation period.
  • If the initial test was collected on or after day 7 of self-isolation repeat testing on or after day 10 is not recommended.
  • If you only received an exposure notification through the COVID Alert App, you are not required to self-isolate if your test is negative.
  • Children in the household who attend a school setting must also stay home while you complete the full 14 day self-isolation.
  • School staff may attend school.
  • Adults in the home, including parents, may go to work as long as they do not have symptoms.

If you test negative, do not have symptoms and have travelled outside of Canada:

  • You must stay home and self-isolate for 14 days from your return to Canada.
  • After 14 days of self-isolation you may return to school or work as long as you do not have symptoms.
  • Children and adults in the same household who attend a school setting will also need to stay home until you complete your 14 day travel self-isolation period.
  • Adults in the home, including parents, who do not attend a school setting, need to self-monitor for symptoms, but may go to work as long as they do not have symptoms.

* Self-isolate for 20 days if you were hospitalized and required ICU level care or have a severely weakened immune system (e.g. you are undergoing cancer chemotherapy).

Download this information as a PDF (also available in Arabic | Czech | French | Pashto | Slovak).