COVID-19 testing is now available for anyone who has a symptom possibly related to COVID-19 infection, effective immediately and until further notice. 

Please be advised that for the safety of both patient and medical personnel, walk-in appointments have been strictly prohibited.

“As part of the expanded testing announced provincially yesterday, northern communities have a time-limited opportunity to access ramped up testing in what’s called targeted surveillance,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Public Health Sudbury and Districts officer of health. 

“There is a recognition that we are at a different stage of this outbreak in the north and we need better data to contain the spread and understand how public health measures are working.”

“This means that people with even mild symptoms can make an appointment at an assessment centre for testing. I am encouraging people in our area – whether you think you have COVID-19 or not – to arrange for testing. This will help us understand and better control our local situation.”

Testing is available for anyone who has any of the following symptoms:

• fever/ chills
• cough
• difficulty breathing/ shortness of breath 
• fatigue
• muscle aches
• loss of appetite 
• sore throat/ hoarse throat
• runny nose
• loss of taste and smell
• nausea or diarrhea

Individuals who are having difficulty breathing or are experiencing other severe symptoms are asked to call 9-1-1.

In most cases, anyone who tests negative for the virus must self-isolate for a minimum of 24 hours after their symptoms have subsided while those who test positive must self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days from when their symptoms began.

Close contacts of an individual who is “swab-pending” should also self-isolate until results are known, while those who have been in close contact with a symptomatic patient should self-isolate for 14 days.

Everyone who undergoes testing will be contacted by Public Health Sudbury and Districts with case-specific instructions.

The period of communicability for COVID-19, or infectious period, is from 48 hours prior to symptom onset to 14 days after symptom onset. 

Those looking for more information on whether they should seek medical attention for non-urgent symptoms are encouraged to call the COVID-19 assessment centre, use the online COVID-19 self-assessment tool, call their health care provider, or phone Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

General information on COVID-19 can be found by visiting Public Health Sudbury and Districts website or by phoning the main office at 705-522-9200, or toll-free at 1-866-522-9200. https://www.phsd.ca/

Local assessment centres:

• Health Sciences North assessment centre
  • Operator available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week by phoning 705-671-7373 
  • Clients will be referred to one of the three locations if deemed necessary
• Manitoulin Health Centre
  • Operator available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week at Mindemoya 705-377-5311 and Little Current at 705-368-2300
  • Assessment centres are open Monday to Friday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 
• Espanola and area communities (mobile assessment centre)
  • Operator available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week 
  • Available to clients in Nairn, McKerrow, Massey, Sagamok, Webwood, Espanola and Birch Island
• Chapleau assessment centre 
  • Operator can be reached at 1-866-522-9200
  • Assessment centre is open Monday to Thursday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Test results will be published online through a secure portal serviced by the Ministry of Health.