Any Ottawa resident can be tested for COVID-19: Ottawa Public Health

OTTAWA -- Seventy-four days after the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Ottawa, any resident can now be tested for the virus.

Ottawa Public Health announced any resident who would like to be tested for COVID-19 can now present for testing at the COVID-19 Assessment Centre or the COVID-19 Care Clinics.

The statement came just hours after Premier Doug Ford encouraged all residents to be tested for novel coronavirus, even if they don't have symptoms. 

In a statement to CTV News Ottawa, Ottawa Public Health says “any Ottawa resident who feels they need a test, even if they are not showing symptoms, can now go for testing at the COVID-19 Assessment Centre and COVID-19 Care Clinics and should not be turned away, unless volumes are significant.”

“If volumes are significant, priority will be given to residents from high-risk groups and those showing symptoms.”

On Twitter, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Vera Etches says “the testing will not tell you if you were infected previously, as the antibody test is not yet available."

“The test detects COVID-19 virus in your body at the time of testing. If you have been exposed and are in the early days of incubating the virus, it might not be detected.”

The testing will not tell you if you were infected previously, as the antibody test is not yet available. The test detects COVID19 virus in your body at the time of testing. If you have been exposed and are in the early days of incubating the virus, it might not be detected. https://t.co/hKNuGBxmys

— Dr. Vera Etches (@VeraEtches) May 24, 2020

On Sunday, Premier Ford said the Ontario Government will release a “detailed testing strategy” for COVID-19 in Ontario next week.

“We will be targeting various sectors and hot spots across the province,” Ford said.

The Premier also urged residents who think they may have COVID-19, even if they are not showing symptoms, to get a test.

“Please go get a test. You will not be turned away,” Ford said.

“Let me reassure you, even if you or your family do not have symptoms, if you feel you need a test, you will be able to get a test.”

Ottawa Public Health says the Ministry of Health will announce a formal testing strategy this week.

Ottawa’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre is located at Brewer Arena. It is open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., seven days a week.

Ottawa’s two COVID Care Clinics are located at 595 Moodie Drive and 1485 Heron Road.  The clinics are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Also, COVID19 virus particles may be detected for weeks after someone has stopped being infectious. In Ontario, someone is considered no longer infectious to others from 14 days after the onset of their symptoms, or 24hours after symptoms resolve, whichever is longer.

— Dr. Vera Etches (@VeraEtches) May 24, 2020

With files from CTV News Toronto's Phil Tsekouras