The province of Ontario is changing its COVID-19 testing guidelines, shifting away from asymptomatic testing and recommending residents seek testing only if it is truly required.
Dr. Barbara Yaffe, Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health says the province must adapt its approach to testing as the trajectory of the pandemic has changed.
“With the upcoming flu and cold season approaching, we need to ensure Ontario’s publicly-funded testing resources are available for those who need them the most, such as school children and others with symptoms of COVID-19,” says Dr. Yaffe. “That’s why, in consultation with health experts and Ontario’s Testing Strategy Expert Panel, Dr. David Williams and I have recommended Ontario update testing guidelines to prioritize those who are at the greatest risk, while shifting away from untargeted asymptomatic testing.”
Dr. Yaffe adds that publicly-funded testing will be available and accessible for those who are symptomatic, have had close contact with a confirmed case, or are part of an outbreak investigation. In addition, testing will continue to be available on a targeted basis for specific asymptomatic individuals who are at greater risk due to their health condition or employment, at the direction of the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Long-Term Care. Evolving our testing guidance in this way will support timely access to testing for those who need it.
Effective immediately, Ontarians should only seek testing at assessment centres if you are:
– Showing COVID-19 symptoms;
– Have been exposed to a confirmed case of the virus, as informed by your public health unit or exposure notification through the COVID Alert app;
– A resident or work in a setting that has a COVID-19 outbreak, as identified and informed by your local public health unit; and
– Eligible for testing as part of a targeted testing initiative directed by the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Long-Term Care.
Starting on September 25, you can get tested for COVID-19 at select pharmacies if you are not showing symptoms and eligible for testing as part of a targeted testing initiative directed by the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Long-Term Care.
“Our best defence against COVID-19 is still to follow all public health measures like practicing physical distancing, wearing face masks and staying home when ill even with mild symptoms, so we can stop the spread,” aids Dr. Yaffe.
Testing continues to be available at any of the province’s 150 assessment centres currently open, and at participating pharmacies starting this Friday. To find the closest pharmacy or assessment centre, please visit Ontario.ca/covidtest.
