On October 2, 2020, the Government of Ontario announced new measures for testing across the province, including transitioning to appointment-based testing beginning Tuesday, October 6 and discontinuing walk-in services on Sunday, October 4.
All assessment centres are working to have their appointment-based testing online as soon as possible.Information on when centres are able to incorporate appointments will be forthcoming as soon as it becomes available.
Patients should not go to the emergency department for COVID-19 testing.
Who is eligible to get a test at an assessment centre?
There are four reasons to seek testing for COVID-19:
- You are showing COVID-19 symptoms OR
- You have been exposed to a confirmed case of the virus, as informed by Ottawa Public Health, or exposure notification through the COVID Alert app OR
- You are a resident or work in a setting that has a COVID-19 outbreak, as identified and informed by Ottawa Public Health OR
- You are eligible for testing as part of a targeted testing initiative directed by the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Long-Term Care
If you are in distress (e.g., significant trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or have a significant worsening of any chronic disease symptoms), do not go to an assessment centre or a COVID-19 care clinic. Go to the nearest emergency department or call 9-1-1.
For more information
- Ottawa’s COVID-19 Dashboard
- The Government of Ontario’s COVID-19 information
- Other Public Health Units in the Champlain Region:
- For media inquiries: media@ottawatestingtaskforce.com
About the Ottawa COVID-19 Testing Taskforce
The Ottawa COVID-19 Testing Taskforce coordinates COVID-19 testing efforts across the city. Our work is based on guidance provided by Ontario Health, as part of carrying out the provincial government’s testing strategy.
We recognize the demand for testing has accelerated. Members of our community — including parents, long-term care home visitors and essential workers — need a clear and consistent source of information when it comes to where to get a COVID-19 test, and who should get tested.
To meet this growing and important need, the Taskforce will publish Ottawa’s Daily Testing Update to keep the community up-to-date on ongoing testing guidelines and informed about any new directives or changes to Ottawa’s assessment centres.
Ottawa COVID-19 Testing Taskforce members
- CHEO
- City of Ottawa, Office of Emergency Management
- Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association (EORLA)
- Hôpital Montfort
- Ottawa Public Health
- Public Health Ontario Laboratory (PHOL)
- Queensway Carleton Hospital
- The Ottawa Hospital
