In response to the second wave of COVID-19 and in preparation for the cold winter months, the Government of Ontario is tightening public health measures, and taking action to reduce testing turnaround times while prioritizing those who are at the greatest risk.
This includes:
- Transitioning to appointment-based testing at Ontario assessment centres beginning Tuesday, October 6, 2020;
- Beginning on Sunday, October 4, 2020, assessment centres will discontinue walk-in testing services,
- Continuing mobile testing and pop-up testing centres to reach vulnerable populations and provide targeted testing for long-term care, congregate care, and other vulnerable populations;
- Expanding the number of pharmacies where people with no symptoms within provincial testing guidance can get tested; and
- Implementing updated testing guidance for children to help parents determine when it is most appropriate for students, children and their families to seek a test for COVID-19.
As the number of new cases continues to rise, the province is taking decisive action to prevent and stop the spread of the virus and avoid future lockdowns. They include mandating the use of face coverings in all public indoor settings across the province, such as businesses, facilities and workplaces, with limited exemptions.
The province is also pausing social circles and advising that all Ontarians allow close contact only with people living in their own household and maintain two metres physical distancing from everyone else. Individuals who live alone may consider having close contact with another household.
