TORONTO – The province has launched an enhanced and interactive online self-assessment tool to help the public determine if they may have contracted COVID-19.
According to a release issued by the province on Monday morning, it only takes a matter of seconds for anyone using the tool to determine if they are negative, or the guidance to best seek care based on their needs.
It also provides real-time date on the number of geography of users told to seek care, self-isolate or monitor for symptoms.
The province will also use the data to inform its response to keep individuals and families safe.
"I encourage anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19, have symptoms or may have travelled outside of Canada to first self-isolate and then take a few seconds to complete our new online assessment tool," said Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott
"This easy-to-use tool, developed with guidance from Dr. (David) Williams, Ontario's chief medical officer of health, is a great first step in that process. By answering a few questions, Ontarians will be able to make informed choices about what to do, while the province collects real-time data to enhance our ongoing response."
Users are taken through a series of questions, and based on their response, provided clear direction of the action they should take, including continuing to practice social distancing, self-isolation, calling a primary care provider or Telehealth Ontario, or, in the case of severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing, calling 911 or heading to the nearest emergency department.
Anyone whose self-assessment suggests a COVID-19 infection will be advised to phone their primary care provider, who can provide a virtual assessment over the phone or online.
The other option is Telehealth Ontario, available at 1-866-797-0000.
The province says it plans to establish additional assessment centres as part of its coronavirus response, located in dedicated spaces.
As of Monday, the province has announced 503 active coronavirus cases in Ontario and six deaths related to the disease.
