Who should visit the Assessment and Treatment Centre?

Clinical assessment centres can test, assess, and provide treatment options for COVID-19 an other cold and flu-like illnesses.

Consider calling the Assessment & Treatment Centre if:

• Your symptoms, or your child's symptoms are getting worse or not improving, and you feel that medical care is necessary;
• You have been told by a health professional to go to an Assessment Centre;
• You are at high risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 or other cold and flu-like illnesses

You can also consider contacting Health Connect Ontario or a walk-in clinic. At Health Connect Ontario, you can get advice from a nurse at any time of day by calling 811 or by online chat at ontario.ca/HealthConnectOntario.

You might also find this tip sheet made by family doctors helpful. It provides tips on deciding when to seek care for a child with respiratory illness and how to support your child at home.

What are COVID-19 treatments?

COVID-19 treatments (including the Paxlovid pill) are available for people who have COVID-19 and are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill. These treatments are available for free by prescription for anyone who would benefit from them.

COVID-19 treatments can help people who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill stay out of the hospital. They must be taken within the first five to seven days (depending on the treatment) after symptoms start.

Will I get antiviral treatment if I have COVID-19?

Antiviral treatment is available for people who are at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. Use this screener to see if you are eligible: ontario.ca/covid-treatment-screener.

If you are eligible and think you might have COVID-19, don't delay. You will need to start treatment within 5 days. Call your primary care provider, go to a clinical assessment centre, or contact Health Connect Ontario by calling 811 or by online chat at ontario.ca/HealthConnectOntario.

When do I need to go to the emergency department?

If you or your child develop severe symptoms, call 911 or go to the emergency department.

For adults, severe symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion

For children, severe symptoms include:

• Working hard or straining to breathe - for example, the lower chest is moving in more than normal when the child breathes, the child is grunting, or the child's nostrils are flaring
• Bluish skin
• Unable to breastfeed or drink
• Very sleepy or difficult to wake
• Peeing less than usual
• Fever with rash
• Seizures or convulsions
• Fever in an infant younger than 3 months

If you are worried your child is seriously ill, call 911 or go to the emergency department.