The Ministry of Health has updated the case definition and symptoms for COVID-19 testing to remove some and add other criteria, specific to children, seniors and those with developmental delays.
Health Sciences North will be adopting these new criteria Saturday as they continue to ramp up testing in line with provincial efforts to understand and control the virus' transmission.
Individuals with any of the following symptoms are asked to call HSN’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre:
- Fever or chills
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- New onset or worsening cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loss of taste or sense of smell
- Runny nose or nasal congestion (not due to seasonal allergies)
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain
Sneezing and a hoarse voice are no longer considered relevant symptoms.
Children, individuals 65 years or older, and those with developmental delays, are also asked to monitor the following symptoms in addition to those listed above:
- Muscle aches, unexplained fatigue, malaise (feeling of discomfort, weakness, or illness that has recently developed)
- Headache
- Croup or “barking” cough
- Pink eye
Individuals who are having difficulty breathing or are experiencing other severe symptoms, on the other hand, are asked to call 9-1-1 immediately. Any information relevant to the symptoms such as travel history should be communicated to emergency dispatch prior to the arrival of personnel.
The HSN COVID-19 Assessment Centre is open seven days a week, including the long weekend, appointment only by calling 705-671-7373. For the safety of health care workers and patients alike, walk-in appointments are strictly prohibited.
Those who call will be screened by a nurse over the phone, before being referred to one of three assessment centres if testing is deemed necessary.
