To rapidly expand screening and ease pressures on hospital emergency departments, a number of dedicated assessment centres have been established across Toronto. Toronto Public Health (TPH) is not an assessment centre and testing is not provided at TPH offices.
Who Should Not Visit an Assessment Centre
People with no symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection (cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, runny nose, and joint aches, and may also include nausea, diarrhea and stomach pains). These people do not need to call Telehealth Ontario, or be assessed for COVID-19, regardless of their travel history.
Who Should Visit an Assessment Centre
- People with mild symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection (cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, runny nose, and joint aches, and may also include nausea, diarrhea and stomach pains)
- and any of the following:
- Fever of 38°C or higher
- Underlying health condition(s) of concern. Includes: cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, cerebrovascular disease (e.g. previous stroke), hypertension, diabetes, cancer, immunosuppression, current smoking
- Age 60 years or older
Symptomatic patients should self-isolate while waiting to reach Telehealth Ontario or seeking medical attention.
Who Should Go to Their Nearest Emergency Department
People who have more severe symptoms (shortness of breath; chest discomfort; lethargy or drowsiness; weakness; dizziness). If you are not well enough to take personal transportation, call 911.
Unsure
People who are unsure should:
- call their primary care provider, or
- call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 and speak with a registered nurse who will guide whether you will require further care or potential testing in person, or
- check the online assessment tool
OHIP coverage is not required to be seen at a COVID-19 Assessment Centre. The assessment is provided at no cost to the individual.