Looking for detailed guidance on testing? See the COVID-19 Provincial Testing Guidance here.

Publically funded PCR testing is only available for specific groups, including:

Symptomatic people who fall into one of the following groups:

• People aged 70 years and older
• People aged 60 years and older who have less than three doses of COVID-19 vaccine
• People who are immunocompromised
• Adults aged 18 years and older who have had less than three doses of COVID19 vaccine and have risk conditions:
  • obesity (BMI ≥ 30kg/m2)
  • diabetes
  • heart disease, hypertension, congestive heart failure
  • chronic respiratory disease, including cystic fibrosis
  • cerebral palsy
  • intellectual disability
  • sickle cell disease
  • moderate or severe kidney disease (eGFR <60mL/min)
  • moderate or severe liver disease (e.g., Child Pugh Class B or C cirrhosis)

• Other people at higher risk of severe disease who may be eligible for COVID-19 treatment if they tested positive.
• Pregnant people
• Patient-facing healthcare workers
• Staff, volunteers, residents/inpatients, essential care providers, and visitors in highest risk settings
  • Highest risk settings include: hospitals (including complex continuing care facilities and paramedic services), and congregate living settings with medically and socially vulnerable individuals, including, but not limited to long-term care homes, retirement homes, First Nation elder care lodges, group homes, shelters, hospices, correctional institutions, and hospital schools.

• Household members of staff in highest risk settings and patient-facing health care workers
• Home and community care workers
• Staff and students in Provincial and Demonstration Schools
• Elementary and secondary students and education staff who have received a PCR self-collection kit through their school
• International Agriculture Workers in congregate living settings
• Patients seeking emergency medical care, at the discretion of the treating clinician
• Other outpatients for whom a diagnostic test is required for clinical management, at the discretion of the treating clinician
• People who are under housed or experiencing homelessness
• First responders, including fire, police and paramedics

Symptomatic/asymptomatic people:

• Individuals who are from a First Nation, Inuit, Métis community, and/or who self-identify as First Nation, Inuit, and Métis, and their household members
• Individuals travelling into First Nation, Inuit, Métis communities for work
• On admission/transfer to or from hospital or congregate living setting
• People in the context of confirmed or suspected outbreaks in highest risk settings as directed by Algoma Public Health
• Individuals, and one accompanying caregiver, with written prior approval for out-of-country medical services from the General Manager, OHIP
• Any patient with a scheduled surgical procedure requiring a general anaesthetic 24-48 hours prior to procedure date
• Newborns born to people with confirmed COVID-19 at the time of birth within 24 hours of delivery, with a repeat test at 48 hours after birth if baseline test is negative, or if the parental test results are pending at the time of discharge
• People 24-48 hours prior to treatment for cancer or prior to hemodialysis, at the discretion of the treating clinician

If you align with one of these groups, please book an appointment for a PCR test at an Assessment Centre in Algoma. The team at the assessment centre will also verify that you meet eligibility criteria.

If you do not align with one of these specific groups, you will not be eligible or able to access PCR testing in Algoma at an Assessment Centre. Please follow the guidance in another section of this webpage based on your situation. 

When assessing yourself for symptoms of COVID-19, it is important that you check for symptoms that are new, getting worse or different from your usual state of health. The symptoms should not be related to any other known health conditions you may have (e.g. fatigue related to insomnia).

Symptoms of COVID-19

The symptoms include:

•       Fever and/or chills; OR
•       Cough; OR
•       Shortness of breath; OR
•       Decrease or loss of taste or smell; OR
•       Two or more of:
  • runny nose OR nasal congestion
  • headache
  • extreme fatigue (general feeling of being unwell, lack of energy, extremely tired)
  • sore throat
  • muscle aches/joint pain
  • gastrointestinal symptoms (i.e. vomiting or diarrhea)

Other symptoms that may be related to COVID-19 and should be monitored include: stomach pain, pink eye, and decreased or lack of appetite (for young children and not related to any other known reasons).

I confirm that I have symptoms of COVID-19

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you should immediately self-isolate.

Individuals with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 are presumed positive and should immediately self-isolate and follow guidance in Section #4 below, unless you are eligible for testing or have access to Rapid Antigen Testing at home.

Access to testing (not required)

If you are eligible for PCR testing, you are encouraged to visit a local Assessment Centre.

If you are not eligible for PCR testing, but you have access to a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT), you can use it to assess the chances that your symptoms may be related to COVID-19.

• If your result is positive, you are a presumed positive and required to self-isolate. See guidance in Section #3.
• If you conduct one test that is negative, you are still a presumed positive and required to self-isolate and follow guidance in Section #4.
• If two consecutive RATs, separated by 24-48 hours, are both negative, you are less likely to have a COVID-19 infection. You are still advised to self-isolate until you have no fever and your symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms). Your household members do not need to self-isolate if they have no symptoms and have not tested positive themselves. Re-testing negative after a positive test, or receiving a negative test while isolating for other reasons does not negate your responsibility to complete isolation.
• RATs are NOT to be used at the end of isolation in order to determine if you are able to return to work or school. Once your specified minimum isolation period is complete, end of isolation must be based on symptom resolution. 

If you do not have a RAT at home to use, please do not visit a local pharmacy for a Rapid Antigen Test if you are symptomatic. You may expose others who are vulnerable to COVID-19. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you are considered a presumed case. No further testing is required.

No access to testing

Due to limits in testing capacity and the limited availability of RATs, not everyone who has symptoms will be eligible to access a confirmatory PCR test or RAT.

If you are not eligible for or able to access a PCR test or RAT, you should assume you have COVID-19 and follow guidance provided below in Section # 4: I have symptoms of COVID-19 or tested positive for COVID-19 (RAT or PCR).

I realized that I do not have symptoms of COVID-19

If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19, you are less likely to have a COVID-19 infection. However, if you are feeling unwell, you are advised to isolate until symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms). Your household members do not need to self-isolate, as long as they have no symptoms.

The reason for isolating until your symptoms resolve is to limit the spread of other illnesses to others in the community (e.g. common cold virus), and to monitor if any other symptoms develop.

If you do develop additional symptoms that match those for COVID-19, you should continue to self-isolate and follow guidance in Section #4.

If you tested positive on a Rapid Antigen Test you are not required to report this test to Algoma Public Health. You are also not required to get a confirmatory PCR or rapid molecular test for confirmation.

If you test positive on a RAT, you are considered a positive case of COVID-19 and are required to immediately self-isolate and follow guidance in Section #4.

You are encouraged to report your RAT result to your workplace, and follow any additional recommendations or restrictions from your employer or occupational health and safety department.

I am a Staff or Resident of a High Risk Setting that tested positive on a RAT

Only those associated with a high risk setting who test positive on a RAT are required to inform their employer and submit results to APH using the RAT High Risk Form. 

Highest risk settings include hospitals, congregate living settings (e.g. long-term care homes, retirement homes, elder lodges, group homes, shelters, hospices, correctional institutions, and hospital schools), and International Agricultural Workers.

Forms are to be completed and faxed to APH as soon as possible after receiving your test results, so that reporting and surveillance can be conducted with the facility, as well as outbreak management support as needed.

For preliminary guidance, see general information in Section #7.

This information is for the general community, and is not applicable for those who work or live in high-risk settings. If you or your close contacts work or live in a high-risk setting, please review the information for those associated with high risk-settings in Section #7. 

Step 1: Self-Isolate Immediately

If you have symptoms compatible with COVID-19 or tested positive on a RAT, you no longer need to book a PCR test to confirm your results. You are only able to get a PCR test if eligible.

Directions are the same for those who have symptoms compatible with COVID-19, test positive on a PCR, rapid molecular, or RAT test.

• If you are fully vaccinated (with at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccine) OR under 12 years old, self-isolate for at least 5 days from your symptom onset or from the date of your positive test result if you have no symptoms. You cannot leave isolation for at least 5 days AND until any respiratory symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours for gastrointestinal symptoms).
• If you are age 12 and older and not fully vaccinated (unvaccinated or partially vaccinated with only 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine), OR if you are immunocompromised, OR hospitalized for COVID-19 related illness, you must self-isolate for 10 days from symptom onset or from the date of your positive test result if you have no symptoms. You cannot leave isolation for at least 10 days AND until any respiratory symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours for gastrointestinal symptoms).
  

• Self-isolation means you must:
  • Stay home, and isolate away from others in the home as best as you can to avoid ongoing exposure.
  • Only leave if it’s a medical emergency or if permitted by APH.
  • No visitors unless it’s essential (e.g., health care providers).

• Even if self-isolation is complete after 5 days, additional precautions are needed due to residual risk of ongoing infectiousness. For a total of 10 days (or 20 days for immunocompromised individuals) after symptom onset or a positive test result:
  • Continue to wear a well-fitted mask and physical distance in all public settings (including schools and child care, unless under 2 years old)
    • Reasonable exceptions would include temporarily removing a mask for essential activities like eating (e.g. eating lunch in a shared area at school, while maintaining distance from others as best as possible)
  • Avoid activities where mask removal would be necessary (e.g.  high contact sport with others, playing a wind instrument, or dining out)
  • Do not visit anyone who is immunocompromised or at higher risk of illness (e.g. seniors)
  • Do not visit or attend work in any highest risk settings (e.g. hospital or long-term care home)

• Report your COVID-19 symptoms or diagnosis (PCR or RAT confirmed) to your employer or occupational health and safety department, as they may need to work with you to notify close contacts in the setting, and form a plan for return to work. 
• If you tested positive and have the Covid Alert app, you can also notify other app users you have been near, by going to the Test Results Website and following the instructions.

Step 2: Notify all Household Members 

• All household members must self-isolate for the same duration as you, with the following exceptions:
  • Household members who are 18 years of age or older and have already received their booster dose are not required to self-isolate.
  • Household members who are under 18 years of age and are considered fully vaccinated are not required to self-isolate.
  • Household members who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days (RAT, ID Now, PCR), are not required to self-isolate and can attend high-risk settings, as long as they are currently asymptomatic.
    
    
• Regardless if required to isolate with the case or not, for a total of 10 days after the last exposure to the COVID-19 case, ALL household members must:
  • Self-monitor for symptoms and self-isolate if they develop any symptom of COVID-19;
  • Continue to wear a well-fitted mask and physical distance in all public setting.
    • Maintain masking as much as possible in public settings. Reasonable exceptions would include removal for essential activities like eating (e.g., when eating in shared space at school/work and maintaining as much distancing as possible.
    • Participation in activities where masking can be maintained may be resumed, but individuals should avoid activities where mask removal would be necessary (e.g., dining out or vigorous sports with others)
    • Individuals who are exempt from masking (e.g., children under two years of age, etc.) may return to public settings without masking
  • Not visit anyone who is immunocompromised or at higher risk of illness (i.e. seniors)
  • Not visit any highest-risk settings (unless they have previously tested positive for COVID-19 on a rapid antigen test or molecular test in the past 90 days).
    
    
• For self-isolating household members that have not developed symptoms, if any other household member develops COVID-19 symptoms, they should extend their self-isolation until the last symptomatic (or COVID-19 positive) person has finished their self-isolation period. The initial COVID-19 positive case/individual with symptoms of COVID-19 does not have to extend their self-isolation period based on other household members becoming ill, as long as they no longer have symptoms.

Step 3: Notify Your Non-Household Close Contacts

• A close contact is anyone you were less than two meters away from for at least 15 minutes, or multiple shorter lengths of time, without the appropriate measures of masking, distancing, and/or their use of personal protective equipment, in the 48 hours before your symptoms began or your positive test result, whichever came first, and until you started your self-isolation.
• A close contact can be someone you shook hands with, hugged, or kissed, but could also be someone you were sitting near, as COVID-19 can be spread by someone coughing, sneezing, or talking.
• It is very important you notify all of your close contacts that they may have been exposed to COVID-19, and the actions they can take to protect themselves and their loved ones. Please direct all close contacts to this webpage or print the Letter for Close Contacts at the top of the webpage

Check out the Who is a Close Contact Infographic created by Ottawa Public Health for examples of what is a close contact and what is not.

How will I be notified if I am a close contact?

If you are a close contact, you may be notified of your exposure in different ways depending on the situation. You may be reached:

• By a letter from your employer, if you live or work in a high risk setting. 
• By phone call, text, or letter directly by the person who tested positive or has symptoms related to COVID-19 and presumed positive.

You will be told:

• If and how long you need to isolate for
• What to tell your household members

You will not always be told:

• Who exposed you
• Where you were exposed

This guidance does not apply to those who work or live in a high-risk setting. For general information for those who live and work in high-risk settings, please view the information located in Section #7.

If you think you have been exposed to someone who has symptoms compatible with COVID-19 or tested positive for COVID-19, it is important you follow these steps to protect yourself and others.

Household Contacts

• All household members must self-isolate for the same duration as the case of COVID-19, with the following exceptions:
  • Household members who are 18 years of age or older and have already received their booster dose are not required to self-isolate.
  • Household members who are under 18 years of age and are considered fully vaccinated are not required to self-isolate.
  • Household members who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days (RAT, ID Now, PCR), are not required to self-isolate and can attend high-risk settings, as long as they are currently asymptomatic. 

• If you do not fall into one of the exception categories above, you are required to self-isolate for the same amount of time as the symptomatic or positive household member.

• For self-isolating household members that have not developed symptoms, if any other household member develops COVID-19 symptoms, they should extend their self-isolation until the last symptomatic (or COVID-19 positive) person has finished their self-isolation period. The initial COVID-19 positive case/individual with symptoms of COVID-19 does not have to extend their self-isolation period based on other household members becoming ill, as long as they no longer have symptoms.

• Regardless of if you are required to isolate or not, for a total of 10 days after the last exposure to the COVID-19 case, ALL household members must:
  • Self-monitor for symptoms and self-isolate if you develop any symptom of COVID-19;
  • Continue to wear a well-fitted mask and physical distance in all public setting
    • Maintain masking as much as possible in public settings. Reasonable exceptions would include removal for essential activities like eating (e.g., when eating in shared space at school/work and maintaining as much distancing as possible)
    • Participation in activities where masking can be maintained may be resumed, but individuals should avoid activities where mask removal would be necessary (e.g., dining out, high contact sports, playing a wind instrument))
    • Individuals who are exempt from masking (e.g., children under two years of age, etc.) may return to public settings without masking
  • Not visit anyone who is immunocompromised or at higher risk of illness (i.e. seniors)
  • Not visit any highest-risk settings (unless they have previously tested positive for COVID-19 on a rapid antigen test or molecular test in the past 90 days). 

• Report your exposure to your employer and follow any work restrictions.

Non-Household Close Contacts

• For a total of 10 days after your last exposure to the COVID-19 case, you must:
  • Self-monitor for symptoms and self-isolate if you develop any symptom of COVID-19;
  • Continue to wear a well-fitted mask and physical distance in all public settings
    • Maintain masking as much as possible in public settings. Reasonable exceptions would include removal for essential activities like eating (e.g., when eating in shared space at school/work and maintaining as much distancing as possible)
    • Participation in activities where masking can be maintained may be resumed, but individuals should avoid activities where mask removal would be necessary (e.g., dining out, high contact sports, playing a wind instrument)
    • Individuals who are exempt from masking (e.g., children under two years of age, etc.) may return to public settings without masking
  • Not visit anyone who is immunocompromised or at higher risk of illness (i.e. seniors)
  • Not visit any highest-risk settings (unless you have previously tested positive for COVID-19 on a rapid antigen test or molecular test in the past 90 days) 
• Employees working in highest risk settings should report their exposure and follow workplace guidance.

This information is not applicable for the general public.

High-risk settings include: Hospitals (including complex continuing care facilities and paramedic services), home and community care workers and congregate living settings, including but not limited to, long-term care, retirement homes, First nation elder care lodges, group homes, shelters, hospices , correctional institutions, Provincial Demonstration Schools, and hospital schools.

General guidance for those who work, volunteer, or live in a high-risk setting can be found below.     
    

I am a Confirmed Case (via PCR or Rapid Antigen Testing) of COVID-19:

• Self-isolate and immediately notify the high-risk setting.
• If you are a worker or volunteer at the high-risk setting, do not go to work or volunteer until you receive further information from your employer and/or Algoma Public Health (APH). You will be required to exclude yourself from the workplace for at least 10 days after your symptom onset.
• Residents or inpatients of a high-risk setting must isolate for at least 10 days after symptom onset or positive test result, whichever came sooner, AND until they have no fever and symptoms are improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms).
• APH will follow-up with confirmed cases of COVID-19 that live or work in a high-risk setting.
• APH will work with high-risk settings in order to notify close contacts located in the setting, and provide specific information on isolation dates.
• If you test positive via a rapid antigen test (RAT), you or your employer must use this form to report your positive test results to APH. Those who test positive on a PCR test will automatically have their test results reported to public health by the laboratory. If you do not have access to a fax machine, please call 705-942-4646 ext. 5404 to report your positive RAT result. The phone line is open Monday-Sunday, 9am-4pm.
• APH will help you calculate your period of communicability, which will help you identify your close contacts outside of the high-risk setting. You can also find information on this webpage to help you notify your household members and close contacts in the community.

I have Symptoms Compatible with COVID-19 (Presumed COVID-19):

• Self-isolate and immediately notify the high-risk setting.
• If you are a worker or volunteer at the high-risk setting, do not go to work or volunteer until you receive further information from your employer and/or APH. You will be required to exclude yourself from the workplace for at least 10 days after your symptom onset.
• Schedule a PCR test at the local COVID-19 Assessment Centre, advising them that you work, live, or volunteer at a high-risk setting.
• If you test positive, APH will help you calculate your period of communicability, which will help you identify your close contacts outside of the high-risk setting. You can also find information on this webpage to help you notify your household members and close contacts in the community.
  
• If you test negative on PCR or RAT, you must continue to self-isolate until your respiratory symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (48 hours for gastrointestinal symptoms), AND you are afebrile without the use of fever reducing medication. If your symptoms worsen, seek PCR testing again. You must continue to exclude yourself from the workplace for at least 10 days after your symptom onset.
• Residents or inpatients of a high-risk setting that test positive must isolate for at least 10 days after symptom onset or positive test result, whichever came sooner, AND until they have no fever and symptoms are improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms).

I am a Close Contact or Household Member of a Confirmed Case of COVID-19 (via PCR or Rapid Antigen Test) or a Person with Symptoms of COVID-19.

• Those who work or volunteer in a high-risk setting should be excluded from the workplace for at least 10 days after their last known exposure to COVID-19.
  • Exception: Close contacts who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days (based on positive RAT or molecular results) can attend work in the highest-risk setting, as long as they are asymptomatic. These individuals are still required to self-monitor for 10 days after last exposure.

• Asymptomatic close contacts or household members who work, volunteer, or attend a high-risk setting can follow guidance for close contacts on this webpage regarding self-monitoring/self-isolation in the community (i.e., outside of the highest risk setting). 
• During critical staffing shortages, further information may be provided by the highest risk setting regarding exclusion from work or testing for early return to work.  
• Residents or inpatients of a high-risk setting must isolate in the facility for 10 days after their last known exposure to COVID-19.
  
• Follow any additional guidance or recommendations on testing provided to you by your facility or APH. 

COVID-19 Measures and Precautions

• For a total of 10 days (or 20 days for immunocompromised individuals) after symptom onset or a positive test result for cases, or a total of 10 days for asymptomatic close contacts or household members since last exposure:
  • Continue to wear a well-fitted mask and physical distance in all public settings
    • Maintain masking as much as possible in public settings. Reasonable exceptions would include removal for essential activities like eating (e.g., when eating in shared space at school/work and maintaining as much distancing as possible)
    • Participation in activities where masking can be maintained may be resumed, but individuals should avoid activities where mask removal would be necessary (e.g., dining out, playing a wind instrument, high contact sports where masks cannot be worn safely)
    • Individuals who are exempt from masking (e.g., children under two years of age, etc.) may return to public settings without masking
  • Do not visit anyone who is immunocompromised or at higher risk of illness (i.e. seniors)
  • Do not visit or attend work in any highest-risk settings (unless you are an asymptomatic close contact/household member not required to isolate and have previously tested positive for COVID-19 on a rapid antigen test or molecular test in the past 90 days and/or the highest risk setting has provided specific return-to-work guidance)

Algoma has a safe voluntary isolation site for people who do not have access to suitable shelter or cannot self-isolate safely in their own homes.

APH is also able to connect cases and household contacts required to isolate with an essential service provider if they do not have the immediate, essential resources needed to isolate safely and cannot access alternate community supports for curbside drop-off.

For more information and to be connected to these resources, please call the General COVID-19 Phone Line at 705-942-4646 ext. 5404 or 1-866-892-0172 ext. 5404. Our phone line is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

If you are a care-giver to someone with COVID-19, please see this handout for more information on keeping yourself safe.

Notifying Your Employer as a Case or Close Contact

Individuals that have symptoms of COVID-19, test positive or are identified close contacts are asked to follow the steps detailed above. These steps will provide instructions on how to notify close contacts in your social networks and workplace.

Individuals who test positive should inform their employer that they have tested positive for COVID-19, or have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, and are required to self-isolate to make sure appropriate workplace precautions are taken to prevent any workplace transmission of COVID- 19.

Information Available to Employers from Algoma Public Health

Workplaces with individuals who have tested positive or are close contacts will not receive outreach or an explanatory letter from APH. APH will also not be able to provide the name(s), number of cases or high-risk contacts, or case and contact management details to workplaces, unless they are a high-risk setting being monitored directly by APH.

Reporting Workplace Illness, Cases to the Ministry of Labour

In accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations (i.e., Ontario Regulation 420/ 21–Notices and Reports under Sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act – Fatalities, Critical Injuries, Occupational Illnesses and Other Incidents.), if an employer is advised that a worker has an occupational illness, or that a claim has been made to the WSIB by or on behalf of the worker with respect to an occupational illness, the employer must provide written notice within four days to:

• A Director appointed under the OHSA of the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD);
• The workplace’s Joint Health and Safety Committee (or health and safety representative); and
• The worker’s trade union, if any.

This may include providing notice for an infection that is acquired in the workplace.

Under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997, an employer must also report to WSIB within 72 hours of receiving notice of occupational illness.

For further information and reporting, contact:

• Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development – Health and Safety Contact Centre Contact Centre (1-877-202-0008)
• Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development – Employment Standards Information Centre (1-800-531-5551)
• WSIB: 416-344-1000 or Toll-free: 1-800-387-0750.

Take care of your mental health

It's normal for situations like COVID-19 to affect your mental health. Everyone will experience this pandemic in their own way, and we know that contracting COVID-19 or becoming a close contact can be worrisome.

It is completely natural to feel stress and concern during these times and so it is important to practice positive coping strategies. It is also completely OK to ask for help.

For resources and tips to take care of your mental health during COVID-19, visit our Mental Health and COVID-19 webpage.

To connect with the General COVID-19 Phone Line, please call 705-942-4646 ext. 5404 or 1-866-892-0172 ext. 5404. Our phone line is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Due to high demand, before calling, please review the resources above and the COVID-19 webpage for more information.

Following discharge from self-isolation, please continue to follow public health measures currently required when outside your home (work, schools, childcare, etc.) and continue taking precautions to protect you and your loved ones including:

• Being vaccinated with two doses of COVID-19 vaccine, and seeking a third dose when eligible at a participating pharmacy or community Vaccine Clinic in Algoma.
• Screening for symptoms of COVID-19 daily, and if symptomatic, staying home and self-isolating, even if symptoms are mild.
• Avoiding social gatherings and limiting visiting others or having guests over.
• Staying 2 metres (or 6 feet) apart from people you do not live with and wear a mask in indoor spaces.
• Physical distancing when in outdoor spaces with people you do not live with, and wearing a mask when unable to distance.
• Considering curbside pick-up, delivery, or alternate hours for shopping, especially if you are at a higher risk for illness.
• Cleaning your hands frequently. 

Take care of your mental health

It's normal for situations like COVID-19 to affect your mental health. Everyone will experience this pandemic in their own way, and we know that contracting COVID-19 or becoming a close contact can be worrisome.

It is completely natural to feel stress and concern during these times and so it is important to practice positive coping strategies. It is also completely OK to ask for help.

For resources and tips to take care of your mental health during COVID-19, visit our Mental Health and COVID-19 webpage.

To connect with the General COVID-19 Phone Line, please call 705-942-4646 ext. 5404 or 1-866-892-0172 ext. 5404. Our phone line is open weekdays and weekends (7 days a week) from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

We will try to answer all your questions to the best of our ability with current provincial guidance available. Our goal is to support you through this as a case, close contact, community member or business.

Due to high demand, before calling, please review the resources above and the COVID-19 webpage for more information.

You are able to access COVID-19 testing if:

• You are from a First Nation, Métis, Inuit community and/or self-identify as First Nation, Métis, Inuit.
• You are a household member of someone who self-identifies as First Nation, Metis or Inuit.
• You travel into First Nation, Métis, Inuit communities for work.

You may also be eligible for PCR testing based on other eligibility criteria listed above in Section #1.

You are able to access testing (ID Now, RAT or PCR) through your First Nation community Health Centre, Maamwesying Northern Clinic, Indigenous Friendship Centre, or Baawaating Family Health Team.

As per provincial testing guidance, you are also eligible for PCR testing at a local Assessment Centre.

According to provincial guidance, First Nation communities in general are not defined as a highest-risk setting.

However, Indigenous peoples are at higher risk of adverse health outcomes related to COVID-19, and remain a priority group eligible for PCR testing in Ontario. First Nations community members, follow the same case and contact guidance as provided on this webpage.

For general information on COVID-19, visit the Indigenous Health and COVID-19 webpage.

First Nation Communities continue to lead their community COVID-19 response in collaboration with public health. Many First Nation communities are continuing to conduct point-of-testing case management.

This means that if you are symptomatic or test positive on a COVID-19 test administered by the Community Health Nurse or provider at the Health Centre, they will provide you with your test results, self-isolation information, and information on how to notify your household members and close contacts. The information provided will be consistent with this webpage and the linked resources available to you.  

If you were PCR tested at an Algoma Assessment Centre, you will not receive case management directly from APH. You will either (a) receive a call from your community health centre or provider who will conduct case management, or (b) receive a call from a non-local number (COVID-19 Provincial Workforce) or SMS text.

You can also follow the information on this webpage for persons with symptoms of COVID-19 or tested positive for COVID-19. 

In addition to supports provided by Algoma Public Health, you are encouraged to contact your First Nation community Health Centre, the Indigenous Friendship Centre, or Baawaating Family Health Team for additional support or if you would like to access COVID-19 testing in your community.

To connect with Algoma Public Health please call 705-942-4646 ext. 5404 or 1-866-892-0172 ext. 5404. Our phone line is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

It is important to do your Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) properly to get the most accurate result.

Your RAT kit should come with instructions. In addition to the collection method option approved by Health Canada (as described on your kit instructions), your rapid antigen test can more reliably detect Omicron if you perform a combined oral and nasal sampling. You can voluntarily perform the combined oral and nasal sampling method.

Check out this fact sheet with the steps to collect your sample for the rapid antigen test. There are steps to swab your mouth and nose, as recommended with Omicron, and only your nose (if preferred).

You can also watch this video to help walk though through the steps for doing a RAT correctly.

Random, one-time rapid antigen testing should not be relied on as a measure to enable social activities.

If you have no symptoms and no known exposure to COVID-19, and decide to complete a rapid antigen test outside of a routine screening program, for example, before going to social event, you should complete the test as close to the event as possible (e.g. within a few hours of the event) and should understand the limitations to a negative result.

Limitations to one-time, asymptomatic rapid testing include that:

• A negative test result could be a false negative.
• People infected with COVID-19 may test negative for several days before testing positive on a rapid antigen test. A negative test may represent a false negative and your infection status may change within hours of taking the test.
• When used by individuals without a known exposure to a confirmed case of COVID-19, a positive result could be a false positive, yet still require you to isolate as per guidelines above.

Workers in the broader community (non-highest risk settings) who tested positive or isolated due to COVID-19 symptoms are not required to provide proof of a negative test result or a positive serological test result to their employers in order to return to work.

APH does not provide documentation to individuals to bring to their employer.

It is expected that workers who have tested positive or who have symptoms of COVID-19 abide by public health direction (and occupational health, where applicable) on when they would be considered clear to return to work.

If you had a confirmed positive case of COVID-19, by using a RAT or PCR test, you can resume asymptomatic screening with RATs 30 days from symptom onset or your positive test date, whichever came first.

Recent COVID-19 Infection and Testing Positive

If you recently had COVID-19, it is possible that you will continue to test positive for a while after your infection. This is why you should not continue to rapid antigen test for 30 days after your symptoms started or your positive test date, whichever came first.

Limits of an at-home RAT

Unfortunately, if you did a rapid test at home when you had COVID-19, you will not have a document showing your test result. A picture of the test itself does not count as documentation.

This means you will likely have to wait until you receive a negative test result from a provider-administered COVID-19 test (e.g. rapid antigen test from a pharmacy) before you will pass travel requirements where proof of a negative COVID-19 test is needed.

Proof of Being Positive from Algoma Public Health Not Available

Algoma Public Health is unable to provide a form or document as proof of being recently positive for COVID-19 for travel. This is not something that local public health is able to provide.

Testing for Travel Out of Canada

Depending on where you are travelling to, you may be required to present a molecular or antigen test result.

Travel requirements are generally Federal, overseen by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and enforced by the Canadian Border Service Agency (CBSA). Local public health does not have records of requirements for travel to all destinations.

You will need to identify what is required pre-departure, based on the mode of travel (land, air, etc.) and where you are going.  

To know if and what type of test you will need, you can connect with:

•       Your travel agent.
•       The airline you are flying with, or the airport you are flying out of or into.
•       The country or location you are visiting.   

You cannot receive a free PCR test for travel at the Assessment Centre. However, you can receive private testing for a fee.

If you require a molecular or antigen test, you can visit:

•       Local pharmacy administering rapid antigen tests.
•       North Stream Rapid Labs – RAT and PCR available. Visit:  https://www.northstreamrapidlabs.ca/

These location swill provide you with a printout as proof of your result.

Requirements for Returning to Canada

Visit COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders - Travel.gc.ca for updated requirements to enter Canada.

Examples of immunocompromised include cancer chemotherapy, untreated HIV infection with CD4 T lymphocyte count < 200, combined primary immunodeficiency disorder, taking prednisone > 20 mg/day (or equivalent) for more than 14 days, and taking other immune suppressive medications.

Factors such as advanced age, diabetes, and end-stage renal disease are generally not considered severe immune compromise impacting non-test based clearance.

Self-isolation means not leaving your home or the place you are isolating in for a period of time.

When you are self-isolating, you must isolate away from others in the home, if possible, and not have visitors come into the home (unless for essential reasons, e.g. health care).

During your self-isolation, you cannot attend work, school, extracurricular activities, or go shopping, and can only leave the home to access emergency care or if you need to get to a COVID-19 clinical assessment center for testing or therapy.

Looking for tips on how to self-isolate? Check out this fact sheet.

Getting a shared ride to an Assessment Centre

If you need to leave the home, such as to get to an assessment center or medical care, you should travel in a private vehicle if possible.

If this is not possible, you should wear a medical mask, keep distance from others in the vehicle (e.g., sit in the backseat), and if possible and weather permitting, open the windows to increase air exchange in the vehicle.

Getting exercise while in isolation

You may leave your home for independent outdoor exercise (or with a caregiver, as appropriate), but should maintain physical distance of at least 2 meters (6 feet) from others at all times.

You should not go to outdoor fitness classes or personal training sessions and should wear a mask in common areas when leaving the property, if self-isolating in an apartment building, condo or hotel.

Isolating in a shared space

As much as possible, the case should stay in a separate room away from other people in the home and use a separate bathroom. If in the same room, they should wear a mask (medical mask if available) and improve ventilation (e.g. windows should be open if possible).

Household caregivers should refer to the fact sheet on Self-Isolation: Guide for caregivers, family members and close contacts. Anyone who is at higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19 (e.g., immunocompromised and/or elderly) should avoid caring for or coming in close contact with a case.

To calculate your isolation period, you add 5 or 10 days to the date your symptoms started or the date of your positive test result. The date your symptoms started or you received your positive test result is considered day zero.

If your symptoms started June 12^th, you must isolate until at least June 17^th at 11:59 pm if you are fully vaccinated or under 12 years old. If you are aged 12+ and unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, immunocompromised, or hospitalized due to COVID-19, you would be isolating until at least June 22^nd at 11:59pm (10 days).

Example Scenario:  

On June 10^th, Jordan woke up with a sore throat, headache and runny nose (symptoms compatible with COVID-19). Jordan was not eligible for testing as a Kindergarten student. Jordan’s isolation period, because they are under 12 years old, is 5 days from symptom onset. This means that Jordan would have to self-isolate at home with household members until at least June 15^th at 11:59 pm and his respiratory symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours.

Self-monitoring means checking yourself for COVID-19 symptoms including fever, cough, and difficulty breathing for at least 10 days following your exposure.

Looking for tips on how to self-monitor? Check out this fact sheet.

I had symptoms of COVID-19 or tested positive (RAT or PCR):

• Anyone involved in sports or physical activity (outside the home) who has completed their 5 day isolation period and who cannot maintain masking and physical distancing requirements, should not return to practice or play for an additional 5 days from the end of their isolation period (i.e. total of 10 days from symptom onset or from the date of your test, whichever came first). 

• Individuals who are 12+ and not fully vaccinated may resume activities once the required 10-day isolation is complete and no symptoms remain (i.e. total of 10 days from symptom onset or from the date of your test, whichever came first).

• Individuals who are immunocompromised and involved in sports or physical activity (outside the home) who have completed their 10 day isolation period and who cannot maintain masking and physical distancing requirements, should not return to practice or play for an additional 10 days from the end of their isolation period (i.e. total of 20 days from symptom onset or from the date of your test, whichever came first). 

This additional precaution is needed due to residual risk of ongoing infectiousness. In addition to the ‘time to return,’ it is important that you self-screen and ensure no symptoms remain.

I was a close contact:

• Anyone involved in sports or physical activity (outside the home) who is self-monitoring as a close contact and who cannot maintain masking and physical distancing requirements, should not return to practice or play for 10 days after your last exposure. 

This applies to all sports (not just contact sports), and also applies to attending gyms or other places where physical activity occurs and mask removal may be necessary around other people.

Yes, you should still receive all recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccine. An infection with COVID-19 likely provides short-term protection against re-infection.

However, those who have been infected with COVID-19 are still recommended to be up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations to maximize protection against future infection.

It is possible get COVID-19 more than once, and the risk of reinfection with Omicron is higher than risk of reinfection with previous variants. In addition, having COVID-19 once does not necessarily guarantee that your next infection will be less severe.

• If you are a case of COVID-19, due to a positive test result or symptoms compatible with COVID-19, you are able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine once your isolation period has ended with informed consent. However, it is strongly recommended that you wait the suggested interval post-infection to receive your COVID-19 vaccine to boost your immune response and generate strong protection against COVID-19.

Suggested interval for the general population between previous COVID-19 infection (symptomatic or tested) and receiving your COVID-19 vaccine:

• If you are a household member that is required to self-isolate, but does not have symptoms and has not tested positive for COVID-19, you are able to receive your COVID-19 vaccine once your self-isolation period is complete.

• If you are a household member or close contact that does not need to self-isolate, you can receive your COVID-19 vaccine at any time as long as you have no symptoms.

It is strongly recommended that you wait the suggested interval post-infection to receive your COVID-19 vaccine. This helps to boost your immune response and generate stronger protection against COVID-19.

New evidence shows that a longer interval between a COVID-19 infection and vaccination is associated with improved antibody responses to COVID-19 vaccines. There is no information that suggests that antibodies from a recent COVID-19 infection would interfere with vaccine efficacy (or effectiveness). 

Vaccination continues to be very important, as people who have had previous COVID-19 infections may remain at risk for Omicron infection. The risk of reinfection with Omicron is higher than risk of reinfection with previous variants.

Algoma residents eligible for a third dose/booster dose include those aged 12-17 after at least 6 months (168 days) have passed since their second dose and those aged 18+ after at least 3 months (84 days) have passed since their second dose. 

A 3^rd dose/booster dose of vaccine can be lifesaving for older adults and people who have vulnerable health conditions. The goal of a third dose is to restore protection that may have decreased over time and fallen below an ideal level to protect you against severe illness, hospitalization, or death related to COVID-19.

Although two doses of vaccine provides some protection against severe disease and hospitalization, it no longer offers good protection against symptomatic illness and infection.

A 3^rd dose/booster dose provides better protection than a two dose series and increases vaccine effectiveness at preventing hospitalization and intensive care admission following an infection with Omicron. 

Vaccination remains the best defence against COVID-19, including the Omicron variant, and you are strongly encouraged to get a third dose as soon as you are eligible.

To see all of the clinics taking place in Algoma, visit Vaccine Clinics in Algoma. You can also continue to receive your vaccine from local pharmacies, Indigenous-led clinics, or select primary care offices. Please check the website, as some partner-led clinics may also allow for walk-ins, while others are appointment-based.

Have questions? Speak with your health care provider or an experienced public health nurse at one of our clinics. You can also book a free, phone appointment with Scarborough Health Networks VaxFacts Clinic. A team of qualified doctors who understand you may have questions or want to learn more are ready to help. Telephone appointments are available in more than 200 languages. Book an appointment here.

Algoma residents eligible for a fourth dose/booster dose include:

• Individuals aged 60+ who received their third (booster) dose at least five months (140 days) prior.
• First Nation, Metis and Inuit individuals and their non-Indigenous household members, aged 18+ who received their third (booster) dose at least five months (140 days) prior, at the discretion of their healthcare provider.
• Moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals aged 12 and older who received a 3-dose primary series. The recommended interval is 6 months (168 days) after the third dose if 12-17 years of age or a minimum of 3 months (84 days) after the third dose if 18+.
• Residents of long-term care homes and retirement homes, Elder Care Lodges, and older adults living in other congregate settings at least three months (84 days) after their third (booster) dose.

A 4^th dose/booster dose of vaccine can be lifesaving for older adults (60+) and people who have vulnerable health conditions. The goal of a fourth dose is to restore protection that may have decreased over time and fallen below an ideal level to protect you against severe illness, hospitalization, or death related to COVID-19.

A 4^th dose/booster dose provides better protection than a two or three dose series and helps to reduce your risk of hospitalization and intensive care admission following an infection with Omicron. 

Vaccination remains the best defence against COVID-19, including the Omicron variant, and you are strongly encouraged to get a third dose as soon as you are eligible.

Have questions? Speak with your health care provider or an experienced public health nurse at one of our clinics. You can also book a free, phone appointment with Scarborough Health Networks VaxFacts Clinic. A team of qualified doctors who understand you may have questions or want to learn more are ready to help. Telephone appointments are available in more than 200 languages. Book an appointment here.

This is an important question! The best way to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks and keep our community safe is by using a layered approach.

Cases and contact management is one layer, but with the amount of Omicron present in our community, a general containment strategy using case and contact management does not contribute to the prevention of outbreaks like it used to earlier in the pandemic. As the course of the pandemic changes with new highly transmissible variants, increased vaccination, etc., so does our approach.

It’s most helpful to focus on the most effective layers of protection such as:

• Self-screen daily before leaving your home and throughout the day
• Frequently sanitize your hands and high-touch surfaces
• Consider wearing a mask when in closed or crowded spaces, especially if you are at higher risk for illness
• Stay home when sick
• Get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms, through an at-home rapid antigen test or PCR test, if eligible
• Following the public health recommendations on this webpage if your are symptomatic, test positive, or are identified as a close contact
• Get vaccinated with all recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccine
• Report your symptoms or positive test result to your workplace or any highest-risk settings you may have attended, so that we can identify where COVID-19 is present and quickly conduct outbreak management (cohorting, isolation, increased measures, etc.)

These are all things we can do as individuals, and as a community, to keep each other safe and healthy.

The Provincial Testing and Information Line can help answer your questions, and is available Monday to Sunday from 8am – 6pm. Call 1-888-777-0730.