This article is reviewed regularly (on a monthly basis) by Wego’s editorial team to ensure it’s up to date and accurate.
Last updated December 2020
Months after the discovery of its first victim, the COVID-19 pandemic is still raging on all around the world, wreaking havoc on stability and economy. But countries are fighting back with travel restrictions, quarantine measures, and perhaps primarily, upping the testing capacities.
If you’re in Toronto or are looking to travel to the country, we have given here all the important information you need to know.
Who needs to take the COVID-19 test?
All passengers travelling to Canada have to mandatorily undergo a 14-day quarantine. However, the Government of Canada has started the Alberta COVID-19 Border Testing Pilot Program which reduces the quarantine period by half. Should the pilot program turns out successful, a similar program will be arranged in Toronto, wherein arriving passengers will have to take two free diagnostic tests, first on entry at the airport and the second one 6-7 days later. They’ll have to stay in quarantine until the negative results of the second test are confirmed and follow certain precautionary rules.
The government has specified the symptoms in case of which individuals must get tested for coronavirus. They include new or worsening cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, temperature equal to or over 38°C, feeling feverish, chills, fatigue or weakness, muscle or body aches, loss of smell or taste, headache, gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting) and feeling unwell. Skin changes, rashes and abdominal symptoms are also common among children.
Self-assessment tools have been made available by the central government as well as the government of Ontario which helps to determine the next step in regards to diagnostic testing and isolation. Alternatively, you can call your primary care provider or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000, whereupon the registered nurse will guide further.
Testing at airports
COVID testing facilities are not yet available at the airports in Toronto, but may be introduced soon.
Where can I get tested in Toronto?
The Ministry of Health has identified eligible individuals for its targeted testing initiative, based on their residential status, the purpose of visit, ethnicity and medical history. Broadly, symptomatic patients, close contacts of confirmed cases and those living or working in COVID prone zones are directed to test at assessment centres, and asymptomatic patients at the participating pharmacies. Appointments are a must at these testing locations.
People who are experiencing at least one symptom and any sign of shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness, lethargy, drowsiness or dizziness should seek medical attention at the nearest Emergency Department.
Assessment centres
Etobicoke General Hospital
2 Janda Ct, Etobicoke, ON M9W 0A4
Monday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Make an appointment here or call 905-487-1249.
Humber River Hospital, Church Site
200 Church St, York, ON M9N 1N7
Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Make an appointment here or call 416-243-4333.
Humber River Hospital, Reactivation Care Centre – Finch Site
2111 Finch Ave W, North York, ON M3N 1N1
Monday to Friday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Make an appointment here or call 416-747-5474.
Michael Garron Hospital
825 Coxwell Ave, East York, ON M4C 3E7
Monday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Make an appointment here or call 416-469-6858.
Mount Sinai Hospital
600 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5
Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Make an appointment here or call 416-586-4800 extension 4123.
North York General Hospital – Branson Site
555 Finch Ave W, North York, ON M2R 2C2
Monday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Make an appointment here or call 416-635-2509.
Rexdale Community Hub
21 Panorama Ct, Etobicoke, ON M9V 3S6
Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To make an appointment, call 416-748-4650 or 416-748-4654.
Scarborough Health Network – Birchmount Hospital
3030 Birchmount Rd, Scarborough, ON M1W 3W3
Monday to Sunday, from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Make an appointment here or call 416-495-2601.
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5
Monday to Sunday, from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Make an appointment here or call 416-480-4559.
Unity – St. Joseph’s Health Centre
30 The Queensway, Toronto, ON M6R 1B5
Monday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Make an appointment here or call 416-530-6720.
Participating pharmacies
Eglinton Ave West – Medicine Shoppe
2600 Eglinton Ave West, Toronto, ON M6M 1T5
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Call 416-651-6511 to make an appointment.
Village Square Pharmacy
2942 Finch Avenue East, Scarborough, ON M1W 2T4
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Call 416-492-4167 to make an appointment.
Kingston Road – Rexall
4459 Kingston Road, Scarborough, ON M1E 2N7
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Call 1-888-412-2622 to make an appointment.
Wincott Drive – Rexall
250 Wincott Drive, Weston, ON M9R 2R5
Monday – Sunday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Call 1-888-412-2622 to make an appointment.
Glen Cade Pharmacy
290 The West Mall, Etobicoke, ON M9C 1C6
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Call 416-622-2111 to make an appointment.
Bloor Street West – Shoppers Drug Mart
360A Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M5S 1X1
Monday – Sunday: 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Call 416-961-2121 to make an appointment.
Albion Road – Shoppers Drug Mart
900 Albion Road, Etobicoke, ON M9V 1A5
Monday – Sunday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Call 416-741-2430 to make an appointment.
Eglinton Ave East – Shoppers Drug Mart
2751 Eglinton Ave East, Scarborough, ON M1J 2C7
Monday – Sunday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Call 416-267-8211 to make an appointment.
Markham Road – Shoppers Drug Mart
629 Markham Road, Scarborough, ON M1H 2A4
Monday – Sunday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Call 416-439-2121 to make an appointment.
Kingston Road – Shoppers Drug Mart
2301 Kingston Road, Scarborough, ON M1N 1V1
Monday – Sunday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Call 416-269-2171 to make an appointment.
Private labs
LifeLabs
474 College St Suite B1, Toronto, ON M6G 1A4
Monday – Saturday: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Make an appointment here.
Dynacare
1849 Yonge St LL1, Toronto, ON M4S 1Y2
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Make an appointment here.
What happens after the test?
After taking the test, individuals should self-isolate at home till the results are delivered, whether or not they show symptoms. The Canadian government has given clear instructions about isolation, which include staying at home, limiting contact with those living in the same house, using a separate bathroom and disinfecting common areas, washing hands and face regularly and closely monitoring the symptoms.
How and when will I receive my test result?
Test results can now be accessed online. Those who aren’t able to check their result on the website may call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600. If you don’t possess a health card, you need to get in touch with your Assessment Centre or Pharmacy.
Results are generally available within 24-72 hours of taking the test.
What if I test positive for COVID-19?
For those who test positive for coronavirus, self-isolation is mandatory for at least 14 days, depending upon when their symptoms appear. The Toronto Public Health system will inform them about when they can stop isolating. They should also consider downloading and using the COVID Alert App to intimate the others around them.
The government has also authorised a list of drugs that treat COVID-19. Health-care providers can advise patients about symptom-specific treatment.
How much is the cost for COVID-19 test in Toronto?
COVID-19 tests are provided free of cost to eligible individuals at the Assessment Centres and Participating Pharmacies. Private labs may charge anywhere between C$50 and C$250 for conducting these tests.
