COVID-19 Testing in Ottawa: Locations for PCR & Rapid Tests

Considering the COVID-19 pandemic’s significant toll on Ottawa, with over 150,000 confirmed cases and 850 deaths as of February 2023, the city has emphasized the importance of accessible and efficient testing. This approach is vital for tracking cases, containing outbreaks, and providing necessary care. To assist the community, we’ve compiled crucial information on where to get tested in Ottawa. Our list includes various testing locations such as public health facilities, selected pharmacies, and dedicated COVID testing Ottawa centers across the city, ensuring that residents have convenient access to these essential services for effective management of the situation.

COVID in Ottawa Today: Key Statistics

  • Average of 100-150 new COVID-19 cases per day in Ottawa, Ontario, (decreased from Omicron surge peaks).
  • Over 1.1 million COVID-19 tests conducted among Ottawa residents since 2020.
  • COVID-19 test positivity rate reached highs of 25-30% during Omicron waves, now decreased to 5-10% in February 2023.
  • Over 150,000 total confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ottawa since 2020.
  • Over 850 deaths attributed to COVID-19 in Ottawa as of February 2023.
  • Ottawa COVID-19 hospitalizations peaked at over 65 during Omicron surges.
  • Over 1 million Ottawa residents have received at least 2 COVID-19 vaccine doses.

Widespread COVID testing in Ottawa has been essential in allowing relevant authorities to monitor coronavirus activity, declare outbreaks, and advise on public health measures. It also informs healthcare facilities on appropriate infection control and helps connect diagnosed individuals to care and treatment options.

Understanding COVID-19 Testing

There are two main types of COVID-19 tests used in Ottawa – polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and rapid antigen tests.

PCR tests are processed in a lab and are the most accurate type of COVID-19 test. They involve a swab of the nose or throat to collect a sample, which is then analyzed using a PCR machine to detect genetic material from the COVID-19 virus. Results are usually available within 1-3 days. Due to their accuracy, PCR tests have been primarily used for diagnosing current COVID-19 infections.

Rapid antigen tests provide quicker results, usually in 15-30 minutes, but they are less sensitive than PCR test alternatives. Rapid tests also use a nose or throat swab but detect specific viral proteins rather than genetic material. Their convenience makes them useful for routine screening. Those who receive a positive rapid COVID test are advised to get a confirmatory PCR test.

Ottawa COVID Testing Locations

Access to testing is critical in a large city like Ottawa to ensure infections are caught early before further spread. Locals have various options for accessing both PCR and rapid COVID test results across the city.

Akausivik Inuit Family Health Team

  • Address: 24 Selkirk St #300, Ottawa, ON K1L 0A4
  • Hours: Monday–Sunday: closed
  • Phone: 613-740-0999
  • Website: www.aifht.ca
Akausivik Inuit Family Health Team

CHEO Assessment Centre for Children & Youth

  • Address: 401 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1
  • Hours: Daily 7:30am–8pm
  • Phone: 613-737-7600 ext. 6720
CHEO Assessment Centre for Children

Bell Pharmacy

  • Address: 737 Gladstone Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 6X4
  • Hours: Monday–Sunday, 9am-10pm
  • Phone: 613-234-1890
  • Website: bellpharmacy.ca
Bell Pharmacy

Carlingwood Pharmacy

  • Address: 356A Woodroffe Ave, Ottawa, ON K2A 3V6
  • Hours: Monday–Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday closed
  • Website: carlingwoodpharmasave.medmeapp.ca

Lancaster Medical Pharmacy

  • Address: 2450 Lancaster Rd, Ottawa, ON K1B 5N3
  • Hours: Monday–Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday closed
  • Phone: 613-518-1978
  • Website: pharmasave.com/ottawa-lancaster

Limebank Pharmacy

  • Address: 3771 Spratt Rd Unit 10, Ottawa, ON K1V 2P3
  • Hours: Monday–Saturday 8:30am-7pm
  • Phone: 613-425-7100
  • Website: www.limebankpharmacy.ca

Pharmacie Medione

  • Address: 595 Montreal Rd Unit 103, Ottawa, ON K1K 4L2
  • Hours: Monday–Friday 9am–5pm, Saturday–Sunday closed
  • Website: www.pharmaciemedione.ca

These locations provide clinical assessment for cough, cold, flu and COVID-19 symptoms. Learn who should go and find more testing options in Ottawa and nearby areas at https://www.ontario.ca/assessment-centre-locations/.

Special Considerations

Certain groups may have distinct testing considerations, including:

Children

Parents and guardians can get children tested at dedicated kids COVID testing Ottawa sites like the Kids Come First Care Clinic and CHEO assessment centers. They offer age-appropriate, child-friendly testing based on symptoms and exposure history.

Elderly

Older adults are more vulnerable to severe COVID outcomes, so timely testing is important. Many locations allow booking by phone for those less tech-savvy. Check for age-specific hours at assessment centers or neighborhood hubs.

Healthcare Workers

Frontline staff require priority access to testing after high-risk exposures. Dedicated testing areas for staff are available at certain hospital sites. Outbreak testing is also deployed rapidly during declared nosocomial outbreaks.

Travel

Those requiring proof of negative COVID-19 tests for travel must use private paid testing options. Listings are available for clinics offering PCR test for travel in Ottawa for fees. Travellers must factor timing to get tested and receive results before departure.

How to Get Tested

The process for getting a PCR test in Ottawa or picking up a self-administered rapid test kit is relatively straightforward. Key steps include:

  1. Check testing eligibility criteria based on symptoms, exposures, occupation etc. Use Ontario’s self-assessment tool if unsure.
  2. Identify the closest available testing site or community hub for accessing tests.
  3. Book an appointment online or by phone depending on location.
  4. Attend appointment and follow staff instructions for self-swabbing nose/throat samples.
  5. May require health cards, proof of address, or other ID.
  6. For rapid test kits, take home and follow test instructions before disposing.
  7. Await test results available online or via pharmacy apps in 1-3 days typically.

During swab appointments, trained staff assist sample collection while following infection control protocols. Be prepared but COVID testing in Ottawa is a quick, safe process.

After Getting Tested

While awaiting COVID-19 test results after getting swabbed, take precautions to limit community exposures by self-isolating. Also monitor for new or worsening symptoms needing urgent care – seek prompt help from healthcare providers if shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion or other concerning symptoms develop.

Once available, positive COVID test results require isolation for at least 5 days and until fever-free and symptoms improving for 24 hours. Negative results provide reassurance but still warrant caution with high-risk contacts. Follow all public health guidance like masking, hand hygiene and distancing to prevent infection.

Resources and Support

Visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca regularly for the latest local guidance on COVID-19 testing protocols, locations, results and outbreak management. The Ministry of Health’s website also contains up-to-date provincial information and assessment tools. Further resources like Ontario 211 help access financial, mental health or disability supports for those affected by COVID-19 while isolating or ill.

For questions or suggestions regarding testing locations and services covered in this article, please contact us at [email protected]. Please note that we only provide public information in this article and are not directly associated with any testing providers. For booking tests or additional details on locations listed above, please consult their individual websites.