Where to get tested for COVID-19?

After Your COVID-19 Test

If you were tested for COVID-19, please read You were tested for COVID-19: What you should know (Public Health Ontario). Also note:

• You must continue with your isolation for a full 14 days regardless of the results of your test, if you are required to self-isolate due to:
  • you have been in close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days (this includes contact within 48 hours before symptom(s) started); or
  • you have returned from travel outside of Canada (whether or not you have symptoms) as per Government of Canada Quarantine Act.

Essential workers: self-isolation guidelines may differ if you have no symptoms of COVID-19 but have travelled or had a close contact with a confirmed case. For more information, contact your employer or human resources department for direction. If you have further questions, contact the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808. Outside of work, you must self-isolate for 14 days from your last exposure or return from travel.

• How to Self-Isolate (Public Health Ontario)

Test Results

Samples are transported to one of six labs in the province for testing. Test results can take four to ten days to be returned. This timeline varies based on the number of tests being done at any given time.

• If you have been tested for COVID-19 you can look for your test result on the Ministry of Health website. You will need your health card to retrieve your result. Test results can take four to ten days to be returned.
• If you have been tested for COVID-19 and do not have internet access or a health card, please contact the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808 for support with accessing your results.
• If your test result is indeterminate, check back in 24 hours as it may mean the test is still in progress.
• If your result is negative: continue to self-isolate until you have been fever-free for 24 hours (if applicable) AND your symptoms are improving. *Note - you must continue with your isolation for a full 14 days regardless of the results of your test, if you are required to self-isolate due to:
  • you have been in close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days (this includes contact within 48 hours before symptom(s) started); or
  • you have returned from travel outside of Canada (whether or not you have symptoms) as per Government of Canada Quarantine Act.
• Essential workers: self-isolation guidelines may differ if you have no symptoms of COVID-19 but have travelled or had a close contact with a confirmed case. For more information, contact your employer or human resources department for direction. If you have further questions, contact the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808. Outside of work, you must self-isolate for 14 days from your last exposure or return from travel.
• If your result is positive: continue to self-isolate and a Public Health staff will contact you with further instruction.

Please Note:

• Test results are only a ‘snapshot in time.’ An individual can be exposed to COVID-19 and test negative before the virus reveals itself.
• Individuals with negative results can still be infected with COVID-19 after they are tested.

There is no specific treatment for COVID-19 and, at this time, there is no vaccine. It is important to remember that most people with COVID-19 have no symptoms or mild symptoms. People who are mildly ill should isolate and care for themselves at home. Most will recover in one to two weeks by simply treating the symptoms.