Ontario will now test anyone with coronavirus symptoms

Ontario is expanding its testing guidelines for COVID-19 starting on Thursday, May 14.

According to Health Minister Christine Elliott, anyone in Ontario with coronavirus symptoms can now be tested.

“As we plan for a gradual reopening, today the Chief Medical Officer of Health will expand COVID-19 testing guidelines so that anyone with symptoms can be tested,” Elliott said in a tweet. “Doing so will help identify and contain new cases and monitor any shifts in community spread to keep Ontarians safe.”

The minister said the expansion is due to the near completion of testing at all long-term care homes.

“Now that we’ve nearly completed testing all long-term care home staff and residents, we will also expand testing for other vulnerable populations, including those in retirement homes and other shared living spaces like shelters and group homes,” she said.

As we plan for a gradual reopening, today the Chief Medical Officer of Health will expand #COVID19 testing guidelines so that anyone with symptoms can be tested. Doing so will help identify and contain new cases and monitor any shifts in community spread to keep Ontarians safe.

— Christine Elliott (@celliottability) May 14, 2020

Earlier this month, the province began testing all long-term care residents and staff, hospital patients, residents or staff of congregate settings such as shelters, group homes or correctional facilities, as well as healthcare workers and essential workers including first responders.

A coronavirus self-assessment is also available on the province’s website.