A Guide to COVID-19 Testing in Winnipeg – Winnipeg | The Canadian News

Manitoba has changed its COVID-19 testing criteria in response to the explosion of Omicron cases in the province.

In this article, you can find out if you’re eligible for COVID-19 testing at a provincial site, where you can find the test you’re looking for, and what wait times you can expect to get tested and receive your results.

Am I eligible to get tested?

In general, you can get tested for COVID-19 at one of the provincial testing sites if you have symptoms of the illness, including cough, fever, chills, and sore throat, among others, but the type of test, whether it’s a PCR or a rapid antigen test (RAT), which you are eligible for may vary.

You are eligible for a RAT if you are five years old or older and have symptoms, if you are told by public health officials to get tested, or if you are an asymptomatic household contact of someone who has tested positive and do not need to self-isolate (for example, you are a close contact, but are double vaccinated and has no symptoms).

The eligibility criteria for a PCR test are much more specific. For a complete list, visit the province’s website. website.

You are eligible for a PCR test if you have symptoms and fall into one of the following categories:

• you are in the hospital
• your doctor says it is important for medical management
• you are a child or someone else who cannot do a self-test or test at home.
• you are immunocompromised
• you may be eligible for Treatment for COVID-19
• you are experiencing homelessness
• You have traveled outside the country in the last two weeks.

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PCR tests are also reserved for selected people who have tested positive in a rapid test. These include, but are not limited to, some school children, health care workers, and people who work in child care, education, and health care or group living facilities.

Manitobans living in or visiting First Nations communities are also eligible for a PCR test.

Where can I get tested?

Winnipeg has 11 testing sites, but some do not offer both PCR and RAT.

Those that offer both types include the following:

• 604 St. Mary’s Way (appointment required)
• Drive-Thru Test Site (1066 Nairn Ave.)
• Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Center Test Site (445 King St.)
• MPI Drive-Thu Test Site (1284 Main St.)
• MPI Drive-Thru Test Site (125 King Edward St.)
• University of Manitoba (1 Research Rd.) (appointment required)
• Outpatient Clinic at Garrick Center (330 Garry St.)

Those that offer PCR only include the following:

• 1300 Round Street
• Dakota Medical Center (17-845 Dakota St.)
• Minor Injury and Illness Clinic Self-Service Testing Site, hosted by Red River College (2055 Notre Dame Ave.)

The RAT-only testing site is 820 Taylor Ave. (appointment required).

How long will I wait?

As of Friday, the province says you can wait 30 to 60 minutes or less to take your PCR test or pick up a RAT. However, wait times may vary by location and time of day.

“The new site in Taylor for rapid test distribution is open and many appointments are available today (Friday) with little to no wait,” a provincial spokesperson said.

Turnaround times for PCR test results are up to 48 hours, but this can also change based on demand and lab capacity, they said.

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