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. Appointments can also be booked at this location by calling 647-477-1640. Dates: July 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28, 31 (every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday) August 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28 and 30 (every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday) 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 647-477-1640. Dates: August 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27 and 29 (every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday) 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: July 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31 (every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) August 3, 5, 7 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28 and 31 (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. To book an appointment, call 647-477-1640. Dates: August 1, 3, 5-6, 8, 10, 12-13, 15, 17, 19-20, 22, 24, 26-27, 29 and 31 (every Tuesday, Thursday, 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.
Malvern Family Resource Centre 90 Littles Road (parking lot)	Dates: Every Tuesday 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, July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 Hours: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Humberwood Community Centre 850 Humberwood Boulevard	Dates: Sunday, August 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lawrence Heights Community Centre 5 Replin Road	Dates: July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2021 Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
AccessPoint on Jane 761 Jane Street – 2nd Floor	Dates and Hours: Wednesday, August 4, 11 and 18 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, August 7 and 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 416-760-8677 to book an appointment.
Parkway Forest Community Centre 55 Forest Manor Road	Dates: Saturday, July 31, August 7, 14, 21 and 28, and September 4 and 11 Hours: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Carefirst One-Stop Multi-Services Centre 300 Silver Star Boulevard	Dates: Every Thursday 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, July 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Sanctuary – 5 Charles Street: Tuesday, July 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wychwood Open Door – 729 St. Clair Avenue West: Wednesday, July 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. St. Stephen’s – 260 Augusta Avenue: Thursday, July 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mustard Seed – 791 Queen Street East: Friday, July 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Saliva Testing

A saliva collection option for testing is available at Women’s College, Mount Sinai and University Health Network―Toronto Western Hospital assessment centres for those meeting eligibility criteria in addition to the existing nasal swab option.

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 individuals that cannot provide a nasal swab sample.

Point of Care Testing (also called Rapid Testing)

There are two kinds of point of care tests (POCT): molecular and antigen tests.

Antigen POCT tests are used for screening purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis of COVID-19 infection in people who have COVID-19 symptoms or who have had close contact with a positive COVID-19 case. Any positive results from antigen POCT must be confirmed with testing at a COVID-19 assessment centre.

Molecular testing is for both diagnostic and screening purposes. A confirmatory test is not required. All POCT final positives from molecular tests must be reported to the local public health unit.

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 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. Closed Monday, August 2.
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.

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 MRN and verification code.
  • Follow the prompts
  • Note: Not all: 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.

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, 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

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

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

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

• If you work in or attend a school or have a child in school, please see further guidance in the Follow up Instructions for School Students, Staff and Visitors Tested for COVID-19.

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.

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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).