You will find below some of our most frequently asked questions. We encourage our patients to read through the questions and responses, as well as the resources outlined on this page. Please reach out to our office by telephone if you cannot find an answer to your 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.
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:
Whether you have symptoms or not, you are eligible for PCR or rapid POC molecular testing if you:
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:
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:
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!
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/
Third Dose
Individuals aged 12+ can now schedule their third booster dose appointment through the Ontario’s booking portal https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1‑833‑943‑3900.
If you believe you qualify for an additional booster shot, please contact a participating pharmacy or the provincial booking line.
Fourth Dose
Immunocompromised Individuals
As of Jan 14, 2022 Immunocompromised individuals can now receive a 4th dose (booster) of the COVID-19 vaccine as early as 84 days after their 3rd dose.
The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is expanding eligibility for fourth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to individuals aged 60 and over as well as First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over starting on April 7, 2022.
If you believe you qualify for an additional booster shot, please contact a participating pharmacy or the provincial booking line.
You will need to bring a referral letter, prescription or medication bottle to your appointment to confirm eligibility.
Our office does not have access to the COVID-19 vaccines at this time.
The SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service is a by-appointment phone service that provides a safe, judgement-free space to have an open conversation about the COVID-19 vaccine for children and youth. Click the link below to find out more about this service.
Just keep scrolling to the bottom of this page and there you will find a link that leads directly to our Clarksburg Medical Group Facebook Page!