COVID-19
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Learn more about COVID-19 from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
It's important to stay safe during respiratory illness seasons and stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations.
Tested positive, have symptoms, or been exposed
If you tested positive, have symptoms or been exposed to COVID-19, follow directions from the Ontario government.
There are 2 main types of COVID-19 tests in Ontario:
- Molecular tests, which include Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests.
- Rapid antigen tests (RATs).
PCR tests need to be processed in a lab. Samples can be collected by a health care professional or at home using a self-collection lab-based PCR kit. In Ontario, publicly funded PCR tests are only available to eligible individuals. Find out if you're eligible for a PCR test and where you can access a test.
Rapid antigen tests can be done at home, give results quickly and do not require processing by a lab. The Ontario government is making rapid antigen tests available for an extended time. Learn more about rapid testing for at home use.
Access to COVID-19 testing
Due to changes in COVID-19 testing eligibility, Peel Region will no longer order or distribute rapid antigen test kits.
In the community, only residents who are eligible for COVID-19 treatment will be eligible for publicly funded testing (both molecular and rapid antigen tests). Patients can access testing through primary care and pharmacies.
Residents living or working in high-risk settings (such as long-term care homes) and some congregate living settings will have access to kits from the Ministry of Health through existing channels.
Get more information about COVID-19 testing eligibility, test access and treatment.
For more information, call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 or toll-free 1-888-919-7800. Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
You should continue to self-screen for symptoms of COVID-19 every day before attending school, child care and early years programs using the COVID-19 screening tool.
If your child has symptoms of COVID-19 and needs to see a health professional, call your family doctor, contact Health Connect Ontario at 811 or go to an assessment centre.
Peel Public Health continues to recommend that all employers review their workplace safety plans for measures to protect employees from COVID-19.
Workplaces can refer to information from the Ontario government about:
- COVID-19 and workplace health and safety
- Viral respiratory illnesses and the Occupational Health and Safety Act
Employers should seek their own legal counsel related to their workplace's vaccination policy.
Managing COVID-19 cases in the workplace
Based on direction from the Ontario government on case, contact and outbreak management, Peel Public Health will support workplaces that are highest risk settings.
Currently, highest risk settings include:
- Acute care settings such as hospitals and complex continuing care facilities.
- Congregate living settings with medically and socially vulnerable individuals. Including, but not limited to long term care homes, retirement homes, First Nation elder care lodges, group homes, shelters, hospices, correctional institutions, and hospital schools.
- Employer-provided living settings of international agricultural workers.
If your workplace is a highest risk setting and you have a suspect or confirmed outbreak, notify Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700, Caledon 905-584-2216.
All workplaces can refer to the following resources for additional information about potential COVID-19 illness or exposure at work:
Since March 2020, Peel Region has issued several Class Orders and Letters of Instruction to address local needs in the community to control COVID-19 transmission. All COVID-19 Orders and Letters of Instruction have been rescinded at this time. Employers should seek legal counsel as required for any specific circumstances related to their workplace.
Copies of rescinded Orders, Letters of Instruction and relevant Letters of Rescission are available upon request by calling Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700, Caledon 905-584-2216.