COVID‑19 testing and treatment

Overview

There are two publicly-funded types of COVID‑19 test available in Ontario:

• rapid antigen tests (available for free to people at high risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19, including in high priority communities and people eligible for COVID-19 treatments)
• molecular tests (which includes polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid molecular testing)

Rapid antigen tests

• Rapid antigen tests detect certain proteins in the virus to identify the presence of COVID‑19. A sample, which can be self-collected, is taken using a swab in the nose and/or throat and can produce a result in as little as 15 minutes.
• Rapid antigen tests continue to be available through the Provincial Antigen Screening Program for select organizations that have employees working on-site.
• Rapid antigen tests are also available for those at high-risk of severe outcomes of COVID-19 (including those eligible for COVID-19 treatments) for free through pharmacy and grocery retail locations while supplies last, local public health units, as well as targeted distribution to high priority communities.
• Learn more about rapid testing for at-home use and where to access free rapid antigen tests.

Molecular testing

Both polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid molecular tests can be used to determine if you have COVID‑19. With PCR testing, a health care professional, or another trained individual, swabs your nose or throat, they send the sample to a lab for testing, and you typically get the results in 1-2 days.

PCR self-collection test kits are also available from participating pharmacies. You can collect the specimen yourself and drop it off at a testing location for processing.

Rapid molecular tests are as reliable as PCR tests but do not require a lab. Results are generally available the same day.

Eligibility for PCR or rapid molecular testing

If you are at higher risk of severe outcomes of COVID‑19, you are eligible for PCR or rapid molecular testing and should seek out testing as soon as possible if you develop symptoms.

You are eligible for PCR or rapid molecular testing if you have COVID‑19 symptoms and belong to any of the following groups:

• people aged 60 years of age and older
• people aged 18 years of age and older who have at least one condition that puts them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease
• people aged 18 years of age and older who are unvaccinated or have not completed their first round of vaccinations (such as their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines)
• people aged 18 years of age and older who have received their first round of vaccinations (or primary series) and received their last COVID-19 vaccine dose more than 6 months ago and have not had a COVID-19 infection in the past 6 months
• people who are immunocompromised
• pregnant people
• patients seeking emergency medical care or other outpatients where the health care professional judges it to be necessary
• health care workers providing patient care
• staff, volunteers, residents/inpatients, essential care providers, and visitors in highest risk settings including hospitals and congregate living settings with medically and socially vulnerable individuals, including international agriculture workers
• household members of staff in highest risk settings and patient-facing health care workers
• home and community care workers
• people who are underhoused or experiencing homelessness
• first responders, including firefighters, police and paramedics

You are also eligible for PCR or rapid molecular testing if you belong to any of the following groups whether you have symptoms or not:

• individuals who are from a First Nation, Inuit, Métis community, and/or who self-identify as First Nation, Inuit, and Métis, and their household members
• Individuals travelling into First Nation, Inuit, Métis communities for work
• on admission/transfer to or from hospital or congregate living setting^{footnote 1[1]}
• people in the context of confirmed or suspected outbreaks in highest risk settings as directed by the local public health unit
• individuals, and one accompanying caregiver, with written prior approval for out-of-country medical services from the General Manager, Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
• any patient with a scheduled surgical procedure requiring a general anaesthetic 24-48 hours prior to procedure date
• newborns born to people with confirmed COVID-19 at the time of birth within 24 hours of delivery, with a repeat test at 48 hours after birth if baseline test is negative, or if the parental test results are pending at the time of discharge
• people 24-48 hours prior to treatment for cancer or prior to hemodialysis, at the discretion of the treating clinician
• staff of highest risk settings who, within the last 10 days, have had close contact with an individual with symptoms compatible with COVID-19 or an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, for the purposes of facilitating return to work, as directed by sector-specific guidance or Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) or Occupational Health staff.

Self assessment

• If you are unsure if you are eligible for a PCR or rapid molecular test, take our self-assessment or speak with your health care provider.
• For more information, read the latest provincial testing guidance (PDF) and details on the Management of Cases and Contacts of COVID‑19 in Ontario.

Private COVID‑19 tests, such as those that may be needed for outbound international travel, are also available for purchase throughout Ontario.

Certain private clinics may take blood to do an antibody or serology test to tell you if you had the virus in the past. This test has significant limitations and is not used routinely in Ontario, except in limited situations. Ask your doctor or health care provider for more information.

Testing Locations

Publicly-funded PCR testing is available to eligible individuals across Ontario at:

• clinical assessment centres (provides testing and clinical assessments for treatment)
• non-clinical assessment centres (testing only)
• participating community labs
• participating pharmacies

Find a testing location

Some testing locations may have PCR self-collection kits, which allow you to collect the sample on your own (under supervision on-site or by yourself at home), then return it to the testing location for processing by a lab.

If you develop severe symptoms requiring medical attention, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, call 911 or go to the emergency department.

What to bring with you for molecular testing

• your Ontario health (OHIP) card (you can still get tested if you do not have one)
• a face covering or mask (as masking may be required)
• assistive or accessibility devices (if you need them)
• snacks (if you must eat every so often for medical reasons)

Test results

• Getting your PCR test results
• Depending on the testing location, you may be able to check your results online.
• If you are not able to find your test results online, contact the testing location or the health care provider who performed the test to learn how to get your results.

Positive test result

• If you get a positive result on a COVID‑19 test, you should self-isolate immediately, except to get health care. If you test positive on a rapid antigen test, you do not need a PCR or rapid molecular test to confirm your result, unless directed by a health care provider. To find out how long you should stay at home, follow the steps on what to do if you’ve been exposed to COVID‑19.
• Antiviral treatments are now available for people with symptoms and a positive test result (PCR or rapid antigen test) who are at higher risk of severe COVID‑19. Find out more about antiviral treatment options or talk to your health care provider.
• If you develop severe symptoms requiring medical attention, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, call 911 and inform them that you have tested positive for COVID‑19.

Negative test result

• If you test negative on a rapid antigen test, it is less likely that you have COVID‑19. However, if you have COVID‑19 symptoms and use a rapid antigen test it is possible to receive a false negative result (that is, testing negative but still being infected), particularly early in COVID‑19 infection. If you repeat testing 24–48 hours after your first negative test and test negative again, you can be more confident in your negative status.
• If you are eligible for treatment and have an initial negative rapid antigen test result, it is strongly recommended that you seek molecular testing as soon as possible given the time frame for receiving therapeutics.
• If you were exposed to a COVID‑19-positive person but test negative, find out what to do next.

Antiviral treatments

Antiviral treatments for COVID-19 can prevent serious illness if taken quickly after symptoms start (within the first few days). They are available in Ontario for free to anyone with a prescription. A physician, nurse practitioner or participating pharmacist can prescribe treatment if it is right for you and if you are at higher risk of serious illness.

You may be at higher risk if you are any of the following:

• 60 years of age or older
• 18 years of age or older and are immunocompromised
• 18 to 59 years old and at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 including having:
  • one or more underlying medical conditions (such as diabetes, heart or lung disease), or
  • inadequate immunity against COVID-19 from:
    • not receiving a full primary series of the COVID-19 vaccine
    • having received a full primary series but no COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection within the past 6 months

The use of antivirals in children under the age of 18 is not routinely recommended. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis, such as for children who are severely immunocompromised and/or have multiple risk factors. Speak with a physician or nurse practitioner to learn more.

If you are a transplant recipient and have tested positive for COVID-19, please contact your transplant centre to ensure sure you receive the appropriate therapeutics.

Use this screening tool to see if you are higher-risk

How to get antiviral treatment

If you have symptoms (even if mild) and are at higher risk of severe COVID‑19, seek testing and care immediately by either:

• contacting a primary care provider (for example, a family doctor, nurse practitioner or your treating specialist)
• contacting your local pharmacy to find out if there is a pharmacist available that can prescribe Paxlovid 
• visiting a clinical assessment centre (available in select areas only)