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COVID-19: What to do if Symptomatic, Positive or Exposed

Home...DiseasesCoronavirus (COVID-19)COVID-19: What to do if Symptomatic, Positive or ...
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If you have COVID-19 Symptoms or Test Positive

Take self-assessment    View Guidance Document

  • COVID-19 Symptoms
  • Testing Positive on RAT
  • Testing Negative on RAT

If you're symptomatic, you can take a rapid antigen test (RAT) to determine the likelihood that you have COVID-19.

  • fever or chills
  • cough
  • shortness of breath
  • decreased or loss of taste or smell
  • two or more of:
    • runny nose or nasal congestion
    • headache
    • extreme fatigue
    • sore throat
    • muscle aches or joint pain
    • gastrointestinal symptoms (such as vomiting or diarrhea)

Other symptoms that may be associated with COVID-19 include:

  • abdominal pain
  • pink eye
  • decrease or loss of appetite
  • If you test positive on a RAT, it's very likely that you have COVID-19. You and your household members are required to self-isolate, as per self-isolation directions for individuals with COVID-19 symptoms and their household members.

  • Positive RATs do NOT need to be confirmed by PCR/rapid molecular test and do not need to be reported to the Health Unit.Isolation after Testing Positive with an RAT

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, testing negative on one RAT test does not mean you don't have COVID-19.

However, if you have COVID-19 symptoms and get negative test results on two consecutive RATs, separated by 24-48 hours, it's less likely you have COVID-19. Self-isolate until you have no fever, and your symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms). After the two negative RATs, your household members may also end their isolation, as long as they do not have symptoms. 

Notify Close Contacts

A close contact is anyone you were less than two metres away from for at least 15 minutes, or multiple shorter lengths of time, without personal protective equipment in the 48 hours before your symptoms began or your positive test result, whichever came first.

Close contacts in schools should follow the school-based guidance.

 If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive on a COVID-19 test, tell your close contacts they have been exposed.

Close Contacts and Household Members

Take self-assessment   View Guidance Document

We recommend you notify your own close contacts.

Image of someone in a robe, looking through window blinds
How to Self-Isolate
Image of someone getting nose swabbed for COVID-19 test
COVID-19 Testing and Treatment

More information

  • Provincial Testing and Isolation Line:  1-888-777-0730 

    •  Available from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. seven days a week
  • Ontario.ca/Exposed

Last updated August 31, 2022

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