1. Who is eligible for a COVID-19 test?
On December 30, 2021, the Ontario Ministry of Health announced new eligibility criteria for COVID-19 PCR tests to prioritize those who are at highest risk. Other priority groups, including household members of workers in highest risk settings, and patient-facing health care workers, are now prioritized. Please visit the Ontario Government website to view the current eligibility criteria.
2. Why do I need to answer screening questions before booking an appointment?
When you book an appointment online you will be asked to complete screening questions to determine if you are eligible for a COVID-19 test based on current provincial guidelines, which recommend that low risk, asymptomatic individuals should not be considered for testing. If you are not eligible for a COVID-19 test, please continue to follow public health guidance to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread in our community.
3. When I answered the screening questions, why was I told I was not eligible for a COVID-19 test?
St. Joe's Mountain COVID-19 Testing and Assessment Centre is only permitted to test those who fall within the Ontario provincial guidelines. The screening questions you are required to answer when you book an appointment are to determine if you are eligible for a COVID-19 test based on current provincial guidelines. If you are not eligible for a COVID-19 test, please continue to follow public health guidance to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread in our community.
4. Can I book a COVID-19 test at the St. Joe's Mountain COVID-19 Testing and Assessment Centre if it is required prior to international travel?
No, as of Dec. 11, 2020, individuals requiring a COVID-19 test for international travel are no longer eligible for a publicly funded COVID-19 test in Ontario. There are private COVID-19 test options available for a cost in Hamilton at Hauser’s Pharmacy and Shopper’s Drug Mart on Rymal Road. For more information about COVID-19 and travel restrictions visit the Hamilton Public Health page.
Please note that St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton Mountain COVID-19 Testing and Assessment Centre does not provide documentation required for private asymptomatic testing, including for travel purposes. The mydovetale test result print out may be insufficient for travel purposes or unacceptable proof of a negative COVID test by an airline or vacation destination.
5. Can I book a COVID-19 test at a Hamilton assessment or testing centre if it is required during my mandatory quarantine after my international travel trip?
No. Individuals who require a ‘Day 8-test’ as part of their mandatory quarantine after arriving from an international airline trip are not eligible for COVID-19 testing at a Hamilton assessment or testing centre. These individuals must follow the Government of Canada travel rules and guidelines for airport arrival testing and quarantine.
6. Can I get tested before I travel or attend an event?
The Testing Centre does not provide any swabs or testing required for travel or to attend/participate/gain entry to public events (i.e. sporting events, concerts, etc.). Please go to a pharmacy or lab offering asymptomatic testing.
Proof of full vaccination expedites entry to public events. Click here to make a vaccination appointment or to learn more.
Please note that St. Joseph’s Healthcare Mountain COVID-19 Testing and Assessment Centre does not provide documentation required for private asymptomatic testing, including for travel purposes. The MyDovetale test result print out may be insufficient for travel purposes or unacceptable proof of a negative COVID test by an airline or vacation destination.
Yes, all appointments booked will be honoured but we will no longer be booking appointments for
When I answered the screening questions, why was I told I was not eligible for a COVID-19 test?