Frequently Asked Questions

We understand it can be frightening to learn that you have been exposed to COVID-19.  Current guidelines follow a simple 3 step method:

1. Confirm if you need to isolate.

2. Get tested if you are eligible.

3. Inform others of your exposure. 

For more information, the most up to date public health guidelines can be found on the government website linked below.

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/exposed?utm_source=mobile-app-organic&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=covid-alert-mobile-app-english&utm_content=covidalertapppage-text

Please note, our office is not currently bringing patients into the office who have symptoms of COVID-19 and are not currently offering COVID-19 swabbing.  You are eligible for PCR or rapid molecular testing if you have COVID-19 symptoms  and are any of the following:

• a patient-facing health care worker
• a patient in an emergency department, at the discretion of the treating clinician
• a staff member, volunteer, resident, inpatient, essential care provider, or visitor in the highest risk setting
• a home and community care worker
• a student or staff at a Provincial Demonstration School or a hospital school
• someone at higher-risk for severe COVID-19 who would be eligible for outpatient treatment (treatment outside hospital) following an assessment and positive test
• someone who lives with a patient-facing health care worker and/or a worker in the highest risk settings
• an outpatient being considered for COVID-19 treatment
• an outpatient who requires a diagnostic test for clinical management
• a temporary foreign worker living in a congregate setting
• underhoused or experiencing homelessness
• pregnant
• a first responder, including firefighters, police and paramedics
• an elementary or secondary student or education staff who has received a PCR self-collection kit, if available through your school
• other individuals as directed by the local public health unit based on outbreak investigations in high risk settings, etc.

Whether you have symptoms or not, you are eligible for PCR or rapid POC molecular testing if you:

• are an individual from a First Nation, Inuit, Métis community, and/or who self-identifies as First Nation, Inuit, and Métis and their household members
• are an individual travelling into First Nation, Inuit, Métis communities for work
• are being admitted or transferred to or from a hospital or congregate living setting
• are a close contact of someone in a confirmed or suspected outbreak in a highest risk setting, or other settings as directed by the local public health unit
• are scheduled for a surgical procedure requiring general anesthetic in the next 24-48 hours
• have written prior approval for out-of-country medical services from the General Manager of OHIP or are a caregiver for someone who does
• are in a hospital, long-term care, retirement home or other congregate living setting, as directed by public health units, provincial guidance or other directives

If you qualify for a COVID-19 test you may book an appointment through the following links based off of your geographic location: 

Collingwood Area: https://chlscheduling.as.me/schedule.php

Owen Sound Area:https://www.gbhs.on.ca/news/book-a-covid-19-test/

Starting February 9th, Ontario will be distributing 5.5 million rapid antigen tests each week for eight weeks through pharmacy and grocery locations across the province, as well as through community partners in vulnerable communities. Over 2,300 locations will provide tests while supplies last, with a limit of one box of five tests per household.

Participating retailers will receive additional supply each week and have the ability to determine how tests are distributed in order to best serve the community, including through appointment bookings, at checkout or through online orders. If your participating location is out of stock, please check back with them. The province intends to bring additional locations online in the coming weeks, including independent grocers and pharmacies.

There are detailed instructions below on this page for how to self-swab. 

To find retailers close to you please visit the link below: 

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/rapid-test-locator

To be considered for treatment, you must have tested positive for COVID-19 (by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or rapid antigen test), and a health care provider must assess you to determine if treatment is right for you, which includes whether or not you are at higher risk of developing severe symptoms.

You may be at higher risk if you are:

• over 18 years old and immunocompromised
• over 70 years old
• over 60 years old with fewer than three vaccine doses
• over 18 years old with fewer than three vaccine doses and at least one of the following risk conditions:
  • obesity
  • diabetes
  • heart disease, hypertension, congestive heart failure
  • chronic respiratory disease (including cystic fibrosis)
  • cerebral palsy
  • intellectual or developmental disabilities
  • sickle cell disease
  • moderate or severe kidney disease
  • moderate or severe liver disease
  • pregnant and unvaccinated (zero doses)
  • 
    

If you believe you may be eligible to receive antiviral treatment, we encourage you to complete the screening tool by clicking here. 

We understand this can be a confusing decision.  Our physicians have found a resource to help with your choice! 

https://www.pcmch.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/PCMCH-COVID-19-Vaccine-Pregnancy-Information-Sheet-2021Oct25_v4.pdf

Please note our office is unable to provide COVID-19 related doctors notes for return to school or work. Should you require documentation, below you will find a self-attestation form that can be completed and submitted without doctors signature. 

https://www.oma.org/uploadedfiles/oma/media/public/oma-covid-attestation-form.pdf

We appreciate your understanding in this matter as we attempt to keep our patients and staff safe. 

Are you feeling confused about the recent changes and recommendations for covid? You are NOT alone. Unfortunately, Omicron continues to place challenges on our community and our health care resources. Here is a great resource that answers many of the questions we all have: https://dfcm.utoronto.ca/confused-about-covid

Our best defense remains VACCINATION! If you are looking for information on booking a COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment please visit our "Book a COVID Vaccine"  Page

Changing restrictions could be the cause of financial stress for you or a family member.  Below you will find a quiz that asks a few simple questions about your situation, and provides recommendations suited to you. 

https://benefitswayfinder.org/