COVID-19 Testing

Last updated Jan. 18, 2022

COVID-19 testing at Niagara Health Assessment Centres.

Please note: Our Emergency Departments do not provide COVID-19 tests. Learn more.

According to provincial guidance, publicly-funded PCR testing offered at Niagara Health is only available for high-risk individuals who are symptomatic and/or are at risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including for the purposes of confirming a COVID-19 diagnosis to begin treatment. This includes vulnerable populations and workers in the highest risk settings such as healthcare workers, police officers, fire fighters, paramedics and other emergency responders.

Members of the general public with mild symptoms are asked not to seek testing. A full list of eligible individuals can be found here.

In addition, most individuals with a positive result from a rapid antigen test are not required to get a confirmatory PCR or rapid molecular test.

If you qualify for a PCR test, make your appointment with Niagara Health online or call 905-378-4647 ext. 42819 (4-CV19).

Visit the Niagara Region Public Health website for updated information about testing and isolating.

If you need to change or cancel your appointment, call 905-378-4647, ext. 42819. This will help us to keep spots available for others who need to book.

During your appointment

Arrive at the designated appointment time and please do not come early. Please note we do not accept walk-ins.

Bring the following with you:

Ontario health card (you can still get tested if you do not have one)
Wear a facemask at all times inside and during your appointment
Assistive or accessibility devices (if you need them)

Please arrive alone or only with others who have an appointment as well. if you need a Support Person with you during the test, call 905-378-4647 ext. 42819 (4-CV19) in advance to confirm if this is possible.

COVID-19 testing results

Results can be checked online:

MyChart,
Provincial Test Results website, or
Niagara Health Navigator app (available in Google Play store or Apple app store)

Where to go

For safety reasons, Assessment Centres have a separate entrance from the hospital. Do not enter the main entrance or through the Emergency Department.

St. Catharines Drive-Through Assessment Centre:

Open Monday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Located off First Street Louth behind the Walker Family Cancer Centre.

If you are coming by foot, please walk to the drive-in booth and you will be given the option to be seen in the drive-through or inside with further instructions.

St. Catharines Assessment Centre.