Unsure if you can get a COVID-19 test in Waterloo region? Here's what public health officials say

With changing rules this week, it can be hard to know whether you're allowed to get a COVID-19 test or not.

The province has said people without symptoms should go to a pharmacy for a test, but only under certain circumstances, such as that they need to see a loved one in a long-term care home.

None of the initial 60 pharmacies allowed to do testing right now are in Waterloo region, Guelph or Wellington County. The closest ones are in Toronto. That may change this upcoming week, though. On Friday, Premier Doug Ford announced testing at pharmacies in Waterloo region could start as early as Tuesday.

Until pharmacies are ready to take on patients, local public health officials say people who need a test to visit a loved one in a long-term care home can still go to an assessment centre.

Update: Since this story was first published, three pharmacies in Waterloo region have started taking appointments for COVID-19 tests. That started on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

The Shoppers Drug Marts currently offering COVID-19 testing are:

• 235 Ira Needles in Kitchener.
• Conestoga Mall, 550 King St. N. in Waterloo.
• 1500 King St. E. in Cambridge.

Waterloo region currently has one walk-in COVID testing centre: St. Mary's General Hospital's testing clinic at 50 Bathurst Dr. in Waterloo.

Other assessment centres, including the drive-thru run by Grand River Hospital, require appointments. The assessment centres are:

• Cambridge Memorial Hospital by calling 519-740-4975 or emailing cmhcovidtesting@cmh.org.
• Grand River Hospital's drive-thru assessment books appointments online. The online form opens each morning at 7 a.m. and closes once it's full. Appointments are for the next day.
• St. Mary's General Hospital clinic at 50 Bathurst Dr. in Waterloo also takes appointments by calling 519-885-9517.
• The Westmount Place Walk in Clinic has appointments by calling 1-855-414-2255 or by booking online.

Here's your guide for where you should get tested for COVID-19 in Ontario.

I have COVID-19 symptoms. Where do I go?

Make an appointment to go to an assessment centre. 

My child has been sent home from school with symptoms. Where should I go?

Make an appointment to go to an assessment centre. 

I have no symptoms but have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19. Where should I go?

You can book an appointment to go to an assessment centre.

I have no symptoms, but I need a test to see a loved one in a long-term care home. Where should I go?

You can book an appointment at one of three pharmacies in Waterloo region currently doing asymptomatic testing.

I have no symptoms, but I want a test just for reassurance. Where should I go?

The province is no longer offering testing for asymptomatic people who are seeking reassurance that they don't have the virus.

What if I get an alert from public health or the COVID-19 app about a possible exposure?

Make an appointment to go to an assessment centre. 

Someone in my household tested positive. Where do I go?

Make an appointment to go to an assessment centre. 

I'm considered part of a COVID-19 outbreak. Where should I go?

Make an appointment to go to an assessment centre. 

Is asymptomatic testing available for people who work in high-risk jobs, in long-term care or health care?

Yes. The province says people can still go to assessment centres if they are "eligible for testing as part of a targeted testing initiative directed by the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Long-Term Care."

I'm willing to make the drive to Toronto. Who can get tested at pharmacies?

According to the province, people can get tested for COVID-19 at select pharmacies if they are not showing symptoms and are "eligible for testing as part of a targeted testing initiative directed by the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Long-Term Care."

The province has said it plans to expand to more pharmacies later.

You can also use the province's online assessment tool to help point you in the right direction.