COVID-19 Testing Update
COVID-19 Testing Update
The Ministry of Health recently updated their COVID-19 testing guidelines for remote/isolated/rural/Indigenous communities. The new guidelines include typical and atypical COVID-19 symptoms and are encouraging communities to test any person experiencing any of the identified symptoms.
The guidance document states that:
Testing should be offered to individuals who are experiencing one of the following symptoms:
- Fever (Temperature of 37.8°C or greater); OR
• Any new/worsening acute respiratory illness symptom (e.g. cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose or sneezing, nasal congestion, hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing)
Atypical presentations of COVID-19 should be considered, particularly in elderly persons and children as listed below.
• New unexplained fatigue/malaise
• Delirium (acutely altered mental status and inattention)
• Recent falls
• Acute functional decline
• Exacerbation of chronic conditions
• New digestive symptoms, including nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
• Chills
• New headaches
• Croup
If you are currently experiencing any of the above symptoms, please contact the Chapleau COVID-19 Assessment Centre directly at 705-864-2568 to book an appointment to be tested as soon as possible. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 9:00am until 5:00pm.
If you feel your condition is worsening and require immediate medical attention, do not hesitate to call 911 or present to your nearest emergency department.