Notice to the Profession: COVID-19 Testing for Bereavement Staff

June 16, 2020

COVID-19 testing is available for everyone working in the bereavement sector. You do not need a referral to go to any of the more than 130 assessment centres across Ontario for testing. No Ontarian will be declined a test.

Ontario’s testing guidance now indicates that you should visit an assessment centre if you:

• Have at least one of the symptoms of COVID-19.
• Do not have symptoms but are concerned you might have been exposed.
• Do not have symptoms but think you are at risk through your employment (for example, if you are an essential or health care worker).
• Would like to be tested

Testing is voluntary. Our ask of you is simple; if you choose to get tested, we ask that you print a copy of this PDF document (COVID-19 Virus Test Requisition) and bring it with you to the assessment centre. The attached requisition form has a customized Investigation Identifier that will identify you only as a bereavement employee. Although you will be notified of your test results, testing data will be anonymized and analyzed on an aggregate level only for research and as an evidence base to help us understand the disease and inform decision making.  No personal or identifying information will be used.  We appreciate your support in helping us collect this data. 

Other things you should know about getting tested:

• Testing is voluntary.
• Please bring your health card with you to the assessment centre.
• Some assessment centres may require you to book an appointment first or have certain restrictions (for example, some are unable to test young children). Find out more about an assessment centre near you.
• If you are free of symptoms and have not had contact with anyone confirmed to have COVID-19 when presenting for testing, you will not be required to self-isolate. However, you should self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days regardless of your test result. If you begin to develop symptoms, self-isolate and contact your local public health unit for further advice.

Stay informed and visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19. Local information is also available from your local public health unit.