Getting tested for COVID-19

The following information provides details on locations, hours and how to book your test.

Testing is available in Brampton, Caledon, and Mississauga. Some testing centres may have outdoor waiting areas. Dress appropriately for weather conditions.

Caledon

Mississauga

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 are fully vaccinated or previously positive and do not have any symptoms of COVID-19, you do not need to stay home unless you are otherwise directed by Public Health. If you develop symptoms or test positive, you must self-isolate.

If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19, refer to full instructions for close contacts and their household members.

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 even if you are fully vaccinated or previously positive.

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.

If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19, you may need to get tested again, depending on when you were first tested. Refer to the full instructions for close contacts.

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 mandatory COVID-19 test is required upon arrival for all international travellers, even if they are fully vaccinated. Learn more about the mandatory testing program and what travellers need to do.

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.