Getting tested for COVID-19

Testing is available in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga. The following information provides details on locations, hours and how to book your test.

Assessment centres and community testing locations

Some testing centres may have outdoor waiting areas. Dress appropriately for weather conditions.

Brampton

Caledon

Mississauga

Pharmacies

Call to confirm hours.

Several pharmacies in Peel are offering COVID-19 testing. It's by appointment only and for people who are not showing symptoms of COVID-19 and meet additional criteria. Find out more information and check the list of testing locations.

Other testing locations

Residents of Peel are also eligible to get tested in other regions, which may use other testing methods. Check the Ontario government’s full list of testing locations.

Every testing site and experience will be somewhat different, but there will be staff and signs on site to help you.

Before you visit a testing location, confirm the following:

• If the centre is open and what the hours are.
• How to book an appointment for testing.
• If there's a drive-thru option.
• If they will test young children or babies.
• If any information about your condition is needed (pre-screening).

Some testing centres may have outdoor waiting areas. Dress appropriately for weather conditions.

Bring your Ontario health (OHIP) card with you. You can still get tested if you do not have a health card. It's a free service.

Access more information on COVID-19 testing from the Ontario government.

Getting to the testing location

When travelling to the testing location, travel alone if you can, to avoid possibly exposing others to COVID-19.

If you must be a passenger in a vehicle, wear a mask and sit in the back seat with the windows down.

Do not use public transportation, taxis, or ride share services. If you need to take a taxi or ride share, make sure your nose and mouth are always covered, and wear a non-medical mask.

About the test

Most testing locations use a long, flexible swab to collect a sample through your nose.

The swab is:

• put in one nostril
• rotated around for 5 to 10 seconds
• sometimes put into the other nostril

Most swabs go deep to rub against the inner side of the nose. It may feel like when you get water up your nose. It's temporarily uncomfortable, but not painful. You may feel some discomfort for a little while after.

Most people will need to self-isolate while they wait for their test results. Do not assume that no test result means a negative test, as it may take approximately 7 days to receive results.

In Peel, self-isolation is a requirement under the Class Order issued by the Medical Officer of Health under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act. Find out what the Class Order on self-isolation means for you.

Stay at home

Stay home while you wait for your test results. You may need to self-isolate from others while you're waiting for results to avoid spreading the virus.

If you had symptoms when you were tested or you develop symptoms while waiting, you and the people you live with must self-isolate and until your test results come back.Refer to the full instructions about who must self-isolate.

Learn what to do if you can't safely self-isolate at home from the people you live with.

Answer the call

Peel Public Health will call anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 to provide instructions.

Protect those at home

If you develop symptoms or had symptoms when you got tested, distance from those you live with by self-isolating.

If possible, stay in your own room, do not share bathrooms, wear a mask, physically distance and wash your hands often.

Learn more about how to properly self-isolate.

Check your test results

You may be able to check your test results online. Be patient, as it can take approximately 7 days to receive your COVID-19 test results.

Follow the directions given to you at the testing location.

Learn how to get your test results and what they mean.

Follow next steps

Many people will need to continue self-isolating for a specific period of time after getting their test results, before it's safe to go back to work, school or other activities.

People who are self-isolating can access supports and services to help with daily necessities, such as food delivery and supports for seniors. Also learn about financial support that may be available to you.

Translated resources

You can find a summary of this information available in multiple languages.

Testing for international travellers

You can no longer get a free test for international travel. Private COVID-19 tests are available throughout Ontario. International travellers are recommended to consult their travel carrier's guidelines to ensure they have the most up-to-date information and should refer to the Government of Canada's travel website for requirements related to their destination.

At Toronto Pearson International Airport, a free and voluntary COVID-19 testing pilot program is available for eligible returning travellers. Learn more about the testing program and how to participate.

Testing for health care workers

All health care workers who have symptoms or are tested for COVID-19 should self-isolate and contact their occupational health department for further instructions. If you're a health care worker or work in a health care facility, refer to health care workers for information on testing and self-isolation.

If you have any severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain or feeling faint, call 911 or go to the emergency department.

Inform health care workers or 911 if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have had close contact with a person who has COVID-19. If possible, wear a mask to limit exposure to others.