Here’s when and how to get tested for COVID-19 in Peel

Mississauga | Ontario | COVID | Latest News |

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Published March 14, 2020 at 3:42 pm

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Peel Public Health, Trillium Health Partners and William Osler Health System have partnered together to create official community guidelines for COVID-19 containment, testing and reporting.

Residents are asked to follow these guidelines when determining whether or not they should be tested for COVID-19 and how to get tested:

  1. If no symptoms are present, testing is not required: Anyone who is NOT experiencing symptoms (fever, cough or difficulty breathing) should NOT get tested for COVID-19 unless specifically instructed by your public health unit or doctor. 
  2. If no symptoms are present AND you have travelled outside of Canada, testing is not required. If you have travelled outside of Canada and are not experiencing any symptoms, you do not need to get tested or call your public health unit. Instead, self-monitor for symptoms and avoid locations where it is difficult to distance yourself from others, such as schools, workplaces and mass gatherings for 14 days.  
  3. Self-isolate for 14 days if symptomatic after international travel or close contact with a positive case: If you have travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days OR have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 AND are experiencing symptoms of cough, fever or difficulty breathing, self-isolate and call your local public health unit immediately for guidance.
  4. If symptomatic, call your public health unit or doctor’s office BEFORE going in: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and worry you may be at risk, DO NOT walk directly into a health care or public health facility. Doing so puts others and the health care system at risk. Call your public health unit for a risk assessment and instructions on next steps.
  5. In the case of an emergency please visit the Emergency Department.

Due to the large volume of tests being taken, Peel Region warns that it can take up to seven days for Public Health to provide your COVID-19 test results.

“Continue self-isolating while awaiting your test results,” the Region says.

Additionally, three assessment centres have opened in Peel as part of the coordinated effort to effectively respond to COVID-19.

To visit an assessment centre at Trillium Health Partners, you must be referred by your local emergency department or Peel Public Health. Referrals are not required for William Osler Health System’s Assessment Centre at its Peel Memorial site.

“Protecting the health of our community and ensuring care is available for those who require it is a shared responsibility,” the Region says. “Every community member plays a part in stopping the spread of COVID-19 and protecting our hospital resources for those who need them. We thank the community for partnering with us to curb the spread of COVID-19.”

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit peelregion.ca/coronavirus. For hospital-specific information, visit thp.ca, williamoslerhs.ca, or monitor @regionofpeel, @THP_Hospital and @OslerHealth on Twitter.

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