Assessment Centres
City of Hamilton COVID-19/vaccine hotline experiencing issues due to high call volumes
We have been experiencing issues due to high call volumes to our Public Health COVID-19 Hotline. As we continue to work on resolving the issue, if you are calling to book an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine (85+ years old only at this time), please be patient as there may be some delays.
For information about the assessment centres, assistance with scheduling an appointment, information or support for COVID-19 test results, or questions related to MyDovetale, phone 905-974-9848 and press 2 to transfer to the COVID Support Service Centre operated by St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.
Testing
Assessment Centres will only test those who fall within the Ontario provincial guidelines. This includes individuals who:
- are showing COVID-19 symptoms
- have been exposed to a confirmed case of the virus, as informed by Hamilton Public Health Services or notified through the COVID Alert app
- are a resident or work in a setting that has a COVID-19 outbreak, as informed by Hamilton Public Health Services
- are a resident or work in an at-risk setting, such as a long-term care home, homeless shelter or other congregate setting
- Some individuals having surgery/procedure at Hamilton Health Sciences or St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton may also require a COVID-19 test. Your care team will inform you if this is required
How to book an appointment:
Following the provincial government guidelines, walk-in testing has been discontinued.
- Book an appointment online at www.HamiltonCovidTest.ca
New appointments will come online as they become available.
If there are few or no appointments available to book online and we kindly ask you to check the website again in a few hours. We release any appointments available for booking online as they are identified. - If you need assistance scheduling an appointment, call 905-974-9848, press 2 to transfer to the COVID Support Service Centre operated by St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.
Please be considerate to other people needing an appointment, and only book one appointment for each individual. Cancel your appointment as soon as possible if you do not plan on getting tested: www.stjoes.ca/coronavirus/covid-19-test-cancellation
COVID-19 Symptoms
Covid symptoms include:
- Fever
- New or worsening: cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, difficulty swallowing, change in taste or smell, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Atypical signs and symptoms (particularly in children, older persons and persons living with a developmental disability): unexplained fatigue, delirium, unexplained/increased falls, headache, chills, croup, conjunctivitis (pink eye), multisystem inflammatory vasculitis (in children), unexplained tachycardia and decreased blood pressure.
- Signs in young children may include lethargy and/or decreased feeding.
If you require urgent care, visit an Emergency Department or call 911, and inform them of your travel and contact history and symptoms.
Assessment & Testing Centres in Hamilton
East End Assessment Centre
2757 King Street East, Hamilton
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 4 to 10 pm | Weekends 9 am to 3 pm
West End Assessment Centre
690 Main Street West, Hamilton
Hours of Operation: 9 am to 5 pm daily
St. Joe's Mountain COVID-19 Testing Centre at Mohawk College
135 Fennell Avenue West, Hamilton N Wing. Please use the entrance on West 5th Street.
Hours of Operation: 8 am to 6 pm daily
Test Results
Due to increased numbers of people getting tested, test results are taking longer to process. Please be patient.
If you were tested at the West Assessment Centre: If you were tested at the East End Assessment Centre, or the St. Joe’s Mountain Testing Centre:
Phone: 905- 521-2100
Dial ext. 75133 if you have a January to June birthdate
Dial ext. 75123 if you have a July to December birthdate
Fax: 905-528-3828
Email: [email protected]
Testing Tips
- Only book one COVID-19 test at one Assessment Centre site in Hamilton. Do not go to another testing site for repeat testing while waiting for test results. This causes longer wait times for testing and results.
- Continue to check for test results on the provincial online portal until results are updated. It may take up to 7 days to receive test results for COVID-19.
- Hamilton Public Health Services will only follow up with individuals who test positive for COVID-19.
- You will be provided with information about how to manage symptoms and next steps when you are tested.
- COVID-19 tests are processed by Ontario’s Public Health Laboratory and uploaded into the online provincial portal. Hamilton Public Health Services does not have access to the results over and above what is on the online provincial portal.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Assessment Centre
When are the COVID-19 Assessment Centres and Testing Centres open?
- The West End COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 690 Main St. West is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily.
- The East End COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 2757 King Street East is open Monday to Friday 4 to 10 pm and weekends 9 am to 3 pm.
- The St. Joseph’s Mountain COVID-19 Testing Centre at 135 Fennell Avenue West is open daily 9 am to 5 pm.
- If you are symptomatic after the Centre is closed and you do not need emergency care, please continue to self-isolate and call to book an appointment the following day.
- If you need emergency care at any time, please go to your nearest emergency department or call 911.
If my symptoms are serious, should I still go to the COVID-19 Assessment Centre?
No. If you are in distress (e.g., significant trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or have a significant worsening of any chronic disease symptoms), do not go to the Assessment Centre. Go to the nearest Emergency Department or call 911.
Do I need to call Hamilton Public Health Services or call the COVID-19 Assessment Centre before coming in?
- Book an appointment online if possible at www.HamiltonCovidTest.ca
New appointments will come online as they become available.
We are sorry if there are currently few or no appointments available to book online and we kindly ask our community to:
- Check the website again in a few hours. We releaseany appointments available for booking online as they are identified.
- Refrain from calling Public Health when there are no appointments available to book online. The appointments available via phoneare minimal and are reserved for community members with accessibility needs or who do not have access to the internet. - If you do not have access to book online,call Hamilton Public Health Services at 905-974-9848
Note: there is currently a high volume of calls so please be patient.
*If you have questions regarding ability issues and transportation to assessment centres, you must call Hamilton Public Health Services to book your appointment.
Assessment Centres will only test those who fall within the Ontario provincial guidelines. This includes individuals who:
- are showing COVID-19 symptoms
- have been exposed to a confirmed case of the virus, as informed by Hamilton Public Health Services or notified through the COVID Alert app
- are a resident or work in a setting that has a COVID-19 outbreak, as informed by Hamilton Public Health Services
- are a resident or work in an at-risk setting, such as a long-term care home, homeless shelter or other congregate setting
Do not seek testing at an assessment centre if you are not symptomatic, and do not fit other criteria. It is important that we test those who have the greatest risk of having and spreading the virus.
What do I need to bring with me if I go to a COVID-19 Assessment Centre or Testing Centre?
- Bring your Ontario health card and a list of your current medications. Wait times will depend on patient volume.
Can my child attend a COVID-19 Assessment Centre or Testing Centre?
- Yes. The COVID-19 Assessment Centres and Testing Centre can test both children and adults who have appointments. Do not bring your child if they are well and do not need to be tested.
- All COVID-19 Testing and Assessment Centres will test people of all ages (except those under three months), including children.
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Children under three (3) months of age requiring a COVID test must go to the Emergency Department at McMaster Children's Hospital to be assessed and be tested. The Emergency Department at McMaster Children's Hospital is open 24 hours a day and is located at 1200 Main St West, Hamilton. Please do not book a COVID test online for a child under three (3) months of age. Call your healthcare provider if you have questions about testing a child under three (3) months of age for COVID-19.
What is the COVID-19 Assessment Centres and Testing Centre process?
- The test involves taking a sample from the back of the nasal cavity with a swab.
- Information about how to manage symptoms and next steps will be provided.
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You can get test results on the provincial online portal.
Will a family member or friend be allowed to join me in the COVID-19 Assessment Centre?
As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe care and work environment in the COVID-19 Assessment Centres, visitors who are not being tested will not be allowed to join patients in the Assessment Centre with the following exceptions:
- An adult accompanying a child who is a patient, a frail older person, a person with a disability
- Anyone acting as an interpreter
For those visiting the drive-through Testing Centre, please do not bring individuals in the vehicle who do not have an appointment (with the exception of those outlined above).
Will I have to wear a mask if I visit the COVID-19 Assessment Centre?
The safety of all staff, physicians, volunteers, students, patients, families and visitors remains a top priority. All patients visiting the COVID-19 Assessment Centres will be required to wear the mask provided and use the hand sanitizer prior to entering the facility.
How will the COVID-19 Assessment Centre keep patients safe?
- Areas for screening and assessment will be kept separate to reduce the risk of spreading infection.
- Everyone will be asked to sanitize their hands and put on a mask at the Centre entrance.
- Please also be mindful to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Will my results be confidential?
- Yes. Your personal health information is protected under Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).
- The following information will be reported on the Ministry of Health of Ontario’s website:
- Patient age and gender
- Public Health Unit
- Hospital involved
- Type of transmission
- Status (e.g. home isolation)
Can you leave your house while waiting for test results?
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms but have no known exposure to COVID-19
- Self-isolate in your home away from others while you are waiting for test results. Practice physical distancing, frequent handwashing and clean commonly used surfaces in the home. Read more about self-isolating
If Public Health has identified you as a close contact of a COVID-19 confirmed positive person identified by Public Health, whether you have or do not have COVID-19 symptoms
- Continue to follow the advice provided to you by public health regarding self-isolation.
If you do not have symptoms and have not been knowingly exposed to COVID-19
- You do not need to self-isolate. However, you should practice physical distancing by keeping 2 metres from others, wash hands often with soap and water, and monitor yourself for COVDI019 symptoms.
How will I find out my test results?
If you were tested at the West End Assessment Centre:
- Check the provincial online portal to get your COVID-19 test results. You will need your health card number to access these results. It may take up to 7 days for your results to appear online.
- If the online portal indicates your test results are unavailable, contact your family doctor to ask if they can look up your result on Clinical Connect. Due to high volumes, lab results may take 3 – 5 days or sometimes more to appear on Clinical Connect.
- If you need a copy sent by mail or secure email, contact Hamilton Health Sciences Health Records Release of Information team:
Phone: 905- 521-2100
Dial ext. 75133 if you have a January to June birthdate
Dial ext. 75123 if you have a July to December birthdate
Fax: 905-528-3828
Email: [email protected]
- You will need to submit a to Consent for Email Correspondence form and a Consent to Disclose Personal Health Information form to receive your test results. Access forms and read about what information you need to provide to receive test results
- Provide a daytime phone number to reach you, as staff must contact you by phone to validate your identity prior to sending results. Allow up to two business days for a response. Health Records staff cannot discuss the content of your test results over the phone.
- The Release of Information Department is open 8 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday only.
If you were tested at the East End Assessment Centre, or the St. Joe’s Mountain Testing Centre:
- Sign up for the patient portal MyDovetale. On the right side you will see three age group options, select the one that applies to you. eMyDovetale will provide you the quickest access to your test results. You will receive a notification as soon they become available and can print the results. If you need help, email [email protected].
- Check the provincial online portal to get your COVID-19 test results. You will need your health card number to access these results. It may take up to 7 days for your results to appear online.
- If the online portal indicates your test results are unavailable, contact your family doctor to ask if they can look up your result on Clinical Connect. Due to high volumes, lab results may take 3 - 5 days and sometimes more to appear on Clinical Connect.
- If you are unable to register for a MyDovetale account or you would like to receive a copy of your results via secure email, email us at [email protected]. In your email, include your full name, date of birth, date of your test and daytime phone number where you can be reached. You may only request your own records. If you are requesting on behalf of others, you need to provide their daytime phone number or request they send their consent to [email protected], referencing your request. We will not discuss your results over the phone.
Hamilton Public Health Services will only follow-up with you by phone or text message if you test positive for COVID-19. The text message will look like:
It's important to remember that a COVID-19 test is only a snapshot of your health on the specific date and time the swab was taken. You can still develop symptoms days after your test was taken.
If you receive a positive test result
- Continue to self-isolate and Public Health will will reach out to you via phone or text within 24 hours. If you need to speak to someone more immediately, call the Public Health Services COVID-19 hotline at 905-974-9848.
If you receive a negative test result
- If you have had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, you should continue self-isolating for the remainder of the time required as a contact of a confirmed case. If your symptoms persist or worsen, contact your doctor or public health so that re-testing can be considered. For those who had previously been instructed by public health to isolate, you should remain in isolation for the remainder of the required 14 days.
- If you have not had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, tested negative but still have symptoms: continue to self-isolate until you are feeling well (i.e. your symptoms have resolved). If your symptoms persist or worsen, contact your doctor or public health to discuss next steps.
- If you have not had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, tested negative and have no symptoms: you can resume your normal activities, including returning to work.
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If your test comes back negative, but you begin to develop COVID-19 symptoms, even if they're mild, you need to be re-tested. This is important so we can all protect the health and safety of our loved ones and our community from whatever infection you may have.
For pending test results
- If your test results indicate they are indeterminate, pending or in progress, your test has not yet been completed. As such, please check back later for your test results.
Will the Assessment Centre or Testing Centre issue absence notes for employment purposes?
No. The Assessment Centres and Testing Centre have been established strictly to screen and assess patients for COVID-19. Notes for employment or other purposes will not be provided by physicians or other clinical staff.
Financial supports available if you are missing work due to COVID-19
If you are missing work because you are self-isolating, caring for a child or family member, or your employer has reduced staff or hours, you may be eligible for financial supports.
- The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB):
- Benefit: $500 per week; 26 weeks maximum
- Eligibility: Unable to work 50% of scheduled work week because you are caring for a child under 12 or family member due to COVID-related closure, family member being sick with COVID-19, or at risk of serious complications from COVID-19, or self-isolating; do not receive other benefits (e.g. EI, Canada Recovery Benefit, Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, disability, etc.); other conditions apply
- Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB):
- Benefit: $500 per week; two weeks maximum
- Eligibility: Unable to work 50% of scheduled work week due to self-isolation; do not receive other benefits (e.g. EI, Canada Recovery Benefit, Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit, disability, etc.); other conditions apply
- Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB):
- Benefit: $1,000 for a two-week period
- Eligibility: Not employed or self-employed due to COVID-19; 50% reduction in weekly income compared to previous year due to COVID-19; do not receive other benefits (e.g. EI, Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit, disability, etc.); other conditions apply
Where can I get a COVID-19 test before I travel?
Effective December 11, 2020, individuals requiring a COVID-19 test for international travel clearance are no longer eligible for a publicly funded COVID-19 test in Ontario.
International travellers are recommended to consult their travel carrier's guidelines to ensure they have the most up-to-date information. You should also refer to the to the federal government's travel restrictions, exemptions and advice page for up-to-date expectations and requirements related to their destination. If a COVID-19 test is required, it is important to leave ample time for testing and to receive results. Travellers in need of a test can access private testing facilities such as a travel clinic.
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