Medical experts say an abrupt shift in Ontario’s testing strategy highlights the complexities of responding to a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Premier Doug Ford’s government announced today that assessment centres would revert back to testing only symptomatic individuals, those who’ve come into contact with a case and those who work in high-risk settings.
Testing for asymptomatic residents is available at up to 60 pharmacies by appointment starting on Friday.
The move marks a sharp reversal from the message the government touted for months that anyone could obtain a test if they wanted one, regardless of their symptoms or possible exposure level.
Doctors shaping Ontario’s pandemic response say the shift is necessary to preserve the province’s testing capacity, which has been severely strained in recent weeks as case numbers climb.
Some epidemiologists say the change makes sense and is based on sound science, while others argue it represents the latest in a long line of failed efforts to curb COVID-19 in the province.
-
![]()
Coronavirus: Publicly funded COVID-19 testing in Ontario to prioritize symptomatic people, close contacts of confirmed cases, Yaffe says -
![]()
Coronavirus: Ontario health officials explain COVID-19 test being used in pharmacies -
![]()
Coronavirus testing expanding to Ontario pharmacies -
![]()
Coronavirus: Ontario to expand asymptomatic COVID-19 testing in pharmacies -
![]()
Coronavirus: Ontario deputy premier announces expanded saliva testing for COVID-19 in 3 hospitals -
![]()
Coronavirus: Ontario health minister says fall plan includes reaching 50k daily test capacity -
![]()
Ontario government promises shorter line-ups for COVID-19 testing
Comments