Starting today, 60 pharmacies across the province are offering COVID-19 testing to people who aren’t showing any symptoms of the virus, but there aren’t any in Simcoe County and only one in Muskoka.
Plus, the government now says pharmacy testing will be available to those who are eligible as part of a targeted testing initiative.
That includes residents who work in an at-risk setting, such as a long-term care home, homeless shelter or other congregate setting.
According to Dr. Barbara Yaffe, Ontario’s associate chief medical officer of health, people who are asymptomatic for COVID-19 will only be tested at an assessment centre if they are part of a targeted group, such as health-care workers.
She says testing at the sites needs to be reserved for people with symptoms, or those who have come into contact with someone who has COVID-19.
Ontario reported 409 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday and one new death related to the virus.
Depending on your situation, you may be able to get a free test at your local:
- covid 19 assessment centre
- participating pharmacy
At an assessment centre
Get tested at an assessment centre 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 notified through the COVID Alert app
- are a resident or work in a setting that has a covid 19 outbreak, as informed by your local public health unit
- are a resident or work in an at-risk setting, such as a long-term care home, homeless shelter or other congregate setting
At a pharmacy
Starting September 25, get tested for covid 19 at a participating pharmacy only if you are both:
- not showing symptoms
- a resident or work in an at-risk setting, such as a long-term care home, homeless shelter or other congregate setting
You will need to call a participating pharmacy to book an appointment. For a complete list, please click here.
For more details about where to go, if you want/need a COVID-19 test, please click here.
#COVID19 testing continues to be available at any of the province’s 150 assessment centres currently open, and at select pharmacies starting Sept 25. See if and where you should be tested at: https://t.co/R0olubQF4B pic.twitter.com/wK6vBB5DGz
— Ontario Ministry of Health (@ONThealth) September 24, 2020