These Frequently Asked Questions and Answers are updated on a regular basis.
Please check back often for the latest information. Updated Aug. 20, 2021
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Symptoms of COVID-19, which is the disease caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus, range from mild — like the flu and other common respiratory infections — to severe.
The most common symptoms include:
(Source: Ministry of Health)
Members of the public should only seek testing if they are:
If you meet the criteria above, please book an appointment for testing:
If you do not meet the criteria above, please visit the Ontario Government's website for a full list of pharmacy testing locations.
If this is a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest Emergency Department. Advise them of your symptoms and if you have recently travelled.
Yes. Our Assessment Centre is available by appointment only. To book an appointment:
Effective Dec. 11, 2020, individuals requiring a COVID-19 test for international travel clearance are no longer eligible for a publicly funded COVID-19 test in Ontario. Asymptomatic testing (testing for those who don’t have symptoms) is available through select pharmacies, including tests required for travel.
Find your closest COVID-19 testing location and information on Niagara Health’s Assessment Centres.
For safety reasons, COVID-19 Assessment Centres have dedicated entrances. Please do not enter through the main entrance or Emergency Department when you arrive for testing. Testing via Niagara Health is available by appointment only. Once your appointment has been confirmed, you will receive instructions on how to access the Assessment Centre.
We ask that you arrive alone for testing if possible.
Yes. There is no fee for being tested at our Assessment Centre.
While Niagara Health conducts COVID-19 swabs at our Assessment Centre, samples are sent to Ontario Public Health labs for testing. Niagara Region Public Health follows up with patients on their test results only if their results are positive for COVID-19.
Patients with a valid Ontario health card can access their test results online in three ways:
Patients that do not have a current Ontario health card or would like the test results of their child (12 years old or under) may contact the Assessment Centre where they were tested or contact their health care provider (doctor’s office). To contact the Assessment Centre, call 905-378-4647 ext. 52451.
While waiting for test results, continue to self-isolate. Visit the Niagara Region Public Health website for more information about COVID-19 test results.
The health, safety and well-being of everyone is our top priority.
In an outbreak, our Infection Prevention and Control experts take immediate action to protect our patients, staff and physicians. They work closely with Niagara Region Public Health and our Occupational Health and Safety team to closely monitor the situation and adjust our safety measures as needed.
We closely monitor the number of patients coming to the hospital and work diligently to manage patient flow. We also maintain space within the hospital so there is capacity for any surges of COVID-19 positive patients.
Most patients who are coming in for surgery/procedure must be tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours of their appointment. Please check with your surgeon’s office as to whether or not you must have a COVID test. As you get ready for your surgery/procedure, you must self-isolate from others as much as possible. If you develop symptoms of COVID -19 (such as fever, cough, trouble breathing) before your surgery/procedure, please contact your physician for further instructions. Please refer to our tip sheet on how to prepare for surgery.
You can find important information on Support Persons and our Essential Care Partners program on our Visitor Information page
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COVID-19 has affected everyone differently and some people may be feeling worried, anxious and/or overwhelmed. There are services available at Niagara Health and in the community for those needing support. If you would like to know more about mental health and addiction resources across the Niagara Region, visit our website.
If you or your loved one is experiencing a mental health and addiction emergency, we encourage you to go to the nearest Emergency Department. If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 or are unable to get to the hospital safely (for example if you have taken an overdose), stay home and call 9-1-1.
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The following groups are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination: