The Grey Bruce Health Unit says testing criteria for COVID-19 is expanding in alignment with new direction from the provincial government.
In a release, the Health Unit says testing is now available for anyone exhibiting any new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Former guidelines that included some risk factors in determining eligibility for testing are no longer relevant.
Symptoms for COVID-19 are similar to the flu and can range from mild to more severe. Symptoms can include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, headache, sore throat, runny nose, hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, loss of sense of smell or taste, diarrhea and nausea or vomiting.
On-site assessment will be continue, as required, for residents and staff of long-term care, assisted living and retirement homes. Anyone else experiencing symptoms can visit one of three COVID-19 assessment centres in Grey Bruce. They're located in Owen Sound, Hanover and Kincardine.
The Health Unit says on reserve healthcare facilities will provide assessment to anyone living on First Nations reserves with any new or worsening respiratory symptoms, as approved by First Nations chiefs and in collaboration with their staff.