At the end of August, I got tested for COVID-19. I decided to get tested because I had a sore throat, headache and I had been around a few public places. Going in to get tested, I didn’t know anything about the process. Now that I’m through it (and have tested negative, yay!) Here are my tips:
- Book an appointment
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Many COVID testing centres offer drive-in service appointments. You pre-register online, show up at your timeslot, get tested and you’re done. If this is an option for you, I would highly recommend it. It does require booking a few days in advance but it will save you so much time on the actual day.
I was so scared to go get tested, I was putting off starting the process until the last possible moment. This meant procrastinating booking a test until I couldn’t take it anymore. So I went to a drop-in centre.
A drop-in centre is a great option if you want to get tested right away but going to one does mean spending more time at the testing facility on the day of. You’ll have to wait in line. Depending on how many people want to get tested that day, it can be anywhere from 15 minutes to a 2 hour wait for a test. For me, it was the latter.
- Bring weather-appropriate clothing
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It was a cool August day when I went to get tested. There were two lines I had to wait in, one to register and one to get tested. The registration line was outside. The testing facility did a great job of keeping the line socially distant. There were big yellow X’s to stand on spread 6ft apart and everyone was wearing a mask. The main thing I wish I was prepared for was the weather. It was a foggy day with a bit of rain. It wasn’t unmanageable but I did get a little damp.
Now that the pandemic is headed into the colder months it’s especially important to bring weather-appropriate clothing with you to the testing centre. I would suggest doing this even if you’re just going to a drive-in centre. Sometimes the lines of cars can be long so you’ll want to be prepared if you need to turn off your car and can’t use your heating.
- Be patient
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Once you make it to the front of the line the testing process takes about six minutes. You’ll be asked for your health card and driver’s license (if you don’t have a driver’s license, bring another piece of government-issued ID). There were three different nurses I was required to stop for, the first two just confirmed my information. I was specifically asked for my health card number, phone number and address.
By the time I reached the third nurse who asked me for the same information, I was a little annoyed. I had been waiting for two hours, I was running late for class and I had already told them my information twice. Why do I have to do this again? It wasn’t until later that it dawned on me how important it was that they had my information correct. Your OHIP number is used as your login online to see your results, Health Canada calls you at your phone number if you test positive and your address helps with contact tracing and statistics.
Although the process may take a long time, do your best to be as patient as possible. These essential workers are putting their lives on the line to keep us safe. Making it easier for them is the least you can do.
As for the test itself, it really wasn’t that bad. It lasts for about three seconds and feels similar to getting water up your nose. You have nothing to worry about.
- Clear your calendar
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Everyone who gets a COVID test is required to self-isolate. This involves staying at home and avoiding getting close to anyone, not too hard right? Right. The difficult part isn’t the actual self-isolating, it’s the temptation to go on as if everything is normal. I felt fine, my sore throat had mostly gone away and I didn’t have any more headaches. It can be difficult to act like you have a virus when you feel perfectly healthy but now it’s more important than ever. So if possible, clear your calendar.
It can be awkward to turn down friends you want to spend time with but it’s so important. I was nervous to tell people I was self-isolating and had been tested. I didn’t want anyone to worry for me. If your friend asks you to hang out, come up with an excuse. Tell them you’re behind on readings or you have work that day. In the end, it’s for the best! Imagine you get the call saying you are a positive case surrounded by a group of friends. The thought of that alone kept me inside until my results came back.
And here I am! One negative COVID test later feeling healthy as ever. If you have any symptoms, or concerns that you have COVID-19, GET TESTED! We all need to do what we can to stop the spread and getting tested is a key part of that. Hopefully, these tips have helped demystify the process for you. You got this!