MGH's COVID-19 Assessment Centre
MGH's COVID-19 Assessment Centre opened in March to build community capacity to respond to individuals experiencing symptoms which could be caused by COVID-19 in East Toronto.

Everything you need to know about MGH’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre

Given recent changes in Ontario's COVID-19 testing guidelines, please visit our COVID-19 Assessment Centre page for the most up-to-date information regarding testing.

Last updated: Sept. 30, 2020

As the pandemic continues into the fall, testing remains a critical public health strategy that prevents and limits the spread of COVID-19. If you would like to receive a test at our COVID-19 Assessment Centre, ensure you’re prepared by reading the frequently asked questions below.

Who can get tested at MGH’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre?

As directed by the Ontario Government’s current COVID-19 testing guidelines (as of Sept. 24, 2020), MGH's COVID-19 Assessment Centre provides screening, assessment and testing for individuals who are:

  • Showing COVID-19 symptoms;
  • Have been exposed to a confirmed case of the virus, as informed by your public health unit, an MGH infection control practitioner or exposure notification through the COVID Alert app;
  • A resident or work in a setting that has a COVID-19 outbreak, as identified and informed by your local public health unit or an MGH infection control practitioner; and
  • Eligible for testing as part of a targeted testing initiative directed by the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Long-Term Care.

Testing is available for anyone older than four months. Individuals interested in receiving testing for infants less than four months should visit MGH’s Emergency Department (ED).

Those experiencing severe, potentially life-threatening symptoms should also proceed to the ED. Please see a full list of COVID-19 symptoms from the Ontario Ministry of Health listed here.

When is the Assessment Centre open?

The COVID-19 Assessment Centre is open for walk-ins daily from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon) or earlier if testing capacity is reached. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. for booked appointments.

How does testing at the COVID-19 Assessment Centre work?

The COVID-19 Assessment Centre sees symptomatic patients on a walk-in and by-appointment basis. Symptomatic patients arriving at the Assessment Centre are screened and see a registration clerk upon arrival. They are assessed by a nurse and physician and then swabbed. Test results should be available online within four days.

Appointments can be booked online here or by phone at 416-469-6858. As per the Ontario government testing guidelines, we are unable to test all members of a single family or household unless they meet the criteria. 

Reminder: If you have been exposed to someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19, you must self-isolate for a total of 14 days after exposure. Testing is recommended on the seventh or eighth day after exposure. For information about self-isolation, please follow these public health guidelines.

Please also ensure you follow public health safety measures while waiting in line for your assessment and test, including physical distancing and wearing a mask or face covering. 

I have an asymptomatic appointment scheduled at the Assessment Centre after Sept. 24, 2020. Will my appointment still take place?

Yes, asymptomatic appointments at MGH's COVID-19 Assessment Centre made on or before Sept. 24, 2020 will be honoured. Please proceed to the Assessment Centre at your indicated date and time and follow public health safety measures while waiting in line.

If I am asymptomatic and don’t meet any of the criteria, where can I get tested?

The Ministry of Health is no longer able to offer testing to asymptomatic people who do not meet the criteria. Those who meet the criteria are eligible for a COVID-19 test at select Ontario pharmacies.

If I come to the Assessment Centre with a symptomatic patient, but I myself am asymptomatic and don’t meet any of the criteria, can I get tested at MGH?

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer testing for asymptomatic individuals even if you are part of the same family or household.

I have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19. When should I get tested?

If you have been exposed to a person with COVID-19, you should get tested seven to eight days after exposure. You must also self-isolate for a total of 14 days after exposure. 

I am required to get a COVID-19 test for work. Can I get this done at the Assessment Centre?

We are only able to do occupational asymptomatic testing as directed by the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Long-Term Care.

What are the wait times at the Assessment Centre?

Please note that there has been a significant increase in demand for COVID-19 testing at our Assessment Centre and, as of the week of Sept. 14, we are seeing more than 500 visitors a day.

As a result, patients may experience longer than usual wait times and line-ups. We apologize for this inconvenience and are working to improve access to testing to meet current demand.

How is the Assessment Centre responding to the increase in demand?

Our Assessment Centre team is making significant changes to help streamline processes so we can provide COVID-19 assessment and testing to as many people as possible. We are looking at adding extra staff and considering expanded hours.

MGH is also working with its community partners to open pop-up COVID-19 testing sites in East Toronto. The pop-ups taking place this fall are:

  • Pop-up COVID-19 testing site at Taylor-Massey (Crescent Town)
    • Providing COVID-19 testing for all-ages by walk-in only
    • Crescent Town Health Centre (4 The Market Place)
    • Open September 17 to October 3 from 12 to 7 p.m. from Monday to Saturday (Please note: This location is closed on Sundays. In addition, testing may finish earlier depending on client volumes)
  • Pop-up COVID-19 testing site at Thorncliffe Park
    • Providing COVID-19 testing for all ages by walk-in and appointment
    • TNO Youth Centre (45 Overlea Blvd., Unit 108A)
    • Open September 29 to October 17 from 12 to 7 p.m. daily (Please note: Testing may finish before 7 p.m. depending on client volumes)

MGH will continue working with its community partners to monitor positive COVID-19 cases in East Toronto. We will launch pop-up COVID-19 testing sites in additional areas where a need is demonstrated.

Where else can I get assessed and tested for COVID-19?

In addition to the aforementioned pop-up COVID-19 testing sites, a number of assessment centres have been established across the GTA. Click here to see a list of all Toronto region COVID-19 Assessment Centres.

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