Last updated: September 22, 2021
Who should be tested for COVID-19?
The Ontario government has released an online COVID-19 Self-Assessment tool, which you are asked to use before booking a COVID-19 test. There is a version for students/parents/school staff and also one for the average adult. These self-assessments will help you determine whether a COVID-19 test is warranted.
HPEPH has launched a targeted public health campaign aimed at increasing COVID-19 testing and lowering infection rates within 20-29 years of age group.
Where can I get a COVID-19 test?
Appointments are required at COVID-19 Assessment Centres in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties.
Please make and appointment online (preferred) by completing the appropriate form for an Assessment Centre near you.
- Bancroft,
- Belleville and Trenton The online registration form for Belleville and Trenton can be filled out any time of day but you will not receive confirmation/directions before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m.
- Please note the drive thru COVID-19 Assessment Centre located at the Duncan McDonald arena in Trenton will be closed on September 27, 28 and 29. The CAC will reopen on Thursday, September 30 with the new hours of Mon-Fri 8am-2pm.
- Picton – Online registration not available. Please call 613-813-6864.
If you prefer, make an appointment by phone.
- Bancroft – 613-332-2825 ext. 6224 (10 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday)
- Belleville and Trenton – 613-961-5544 (9 am – 5 pm, 7 days a week.)
- Picton – 613-813-6864 (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday)
For testing at the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte Community Health Centre, please call 613-967-3603.
Please be aware that, due to high volumes, wait times at the assessment centres can be an hour or more, and test results can take anywhere from 2 to 5 days.
If you require medical attention, contact your health care provider, TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or for a medical emergency, please call 911 immediately.
What do I do after my test?
Whether you need to self-isolate or not while you await your test results depends on your symptoms, exposure and travel history. Please review the Follow-up Instructions for Individuals Tested for COVID-19 (French version).
Please note the following legal requirements for self-isolation if you are seeking testing:
- People with COVID-19 symptoms must self-isolate both before testing and while waiting for test results.
- People sent for testing as a contact of someone with COVID-19 must self-isolate for 14 days regardless of test results.
- The minimum fine for violating self-isolation orders is $750.
- For more information please read the Class Order issued by the Medical Officer of Health, pursuant to Section 22 (5.0.1) of the Health Promotion and Protection Act.
Where do I find my test results?
To find your COVID-19 test results go to covid-19.Ontario.ca. It can take 2 to 7 days for your result to become available on this portal. This timeframe varies with changes in assessment centre and laboratory capacity.
If you are unable to access this portal, or if it has been longer than 7 days since your test and your results are not available, please contact the assessment centre where you were tested. For assessment centre contact information or to request your results online, please visit Quinte Health Care COVID-19. Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is unable to search for or provide test results to the general public at the current time.
Can I get a test if I do not have symptoms and I have not had an exposure?
- Publicly-funded COVID-19 assessment centres are no longer permitted to provide testing for asymptomatic individuals who require a negative COVID-19 test in preparation for an upcoming international flight.
- These tests can be obtained at select locations for a fee.
- Asymptomatic individuals who require testing for select reasons, such as visiting relatives in LTC or for employment purposes, can continue to seek testing at a COVID-19 assessment centre if they do not have access to a pharmacy testing location for asymptomatic individuals.
- Select locations of Shoppers Drug Mart continue to provide testing for this purpose, free of charge.
Is a rapid antigen test acceptable when testing is required because I have symptoms, or have been identified as a close contact?
No. Rapid antigen testing is used for screening purposes only and should NOT be used for diagnosis of acute COVID-19 infection. Individuals who are symptomatic or fail screening must receive a PRC test at a provincial testing centre.
Resources:
- How to Self-Monitor – Public Health Ontario
- How to Self-Isolate – Public Health Ontario
- Self Isolation: A Guide for Caregivers/Contacts – Public Health Ontario
