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Rapid Testing


York is offering free COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to all community members on our campuses.

Where to pick up tests at York

Anyone with respiratory or COVID-19 symptoms should stay home and is encouraged to complete a self-assessment using YU Screen.

Bulk requests: To request a bulk package of rapid tests for multiple people in your area, please complete the following form: https://yorku.ca/go/bulkorder.

Individual pick-up: You can pick up a package of test supplies for yourself at these locations:

Keele Campus:

Scott Library, Central Square, Main floor
Monday to Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 PM to 11:00 p.m.

The Student Life Hub, Ross/Vari Hall Link 
(hallway between Vari Hall and Ross Building)
Starting January 9
Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

York International, York Lanes, Room 200
Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bennett Centre for Student Services, 1st floor
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Tait McKenzie, 1st floor, front desk
 Monday to Friday 6a.m. to 11 p.m.
 Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

York Lions Stadium, front desk
Starting January 7:
Monday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Keele Campus Bookstore, York Lanes, Downstairs information/pickup counter
Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m

YUSC Office, First Student Centre, room 335
Starting January 9: Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm

YUSC Office, Second Student Centre, room 110
Starting January 9: Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm

Glendon Campus:

Office of Student Affairs, York Hall, C112, C113, C133
Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m

Glendon Campus Bookstore, York Hall (Basement), Rm 030B
Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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How to perform a test

  • Rapid tests are easy and simple to use, takes five minutes to self-administer the test and 15 minutes to yield results.
  • Test supplies must be kept at room temperature and away from direct sources of heat. In case they freeze, please wait to use it 30 minutes after they thaw before preforming a test.

The sample for the rapid antigen test is mostly collected while swabbing the nose but, since February 2022, the provincial government released guidelines on how to do a double swab (nose and throat).

Select and download the step-by-step instruction sheetof how to self-administer the type of test you received:

Testing should take place at home, before to coming to campus. Students living on campus should complete the test before leaving their residence room/apartment.
 

For more information regarding optimal testing and timing of performing a test, please go to the Public Health Guidelines  and refer to section 4.1: “Testing Recommendations”.

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How to submit your test results

You are encouraged to submit your test results using the COVID-19 Test Result form. 

  1. Write today’s date on the test device
  2. Take a photo of the test device
  3. Complete the COVID-19 Test Result form, indicating whether the test was positive or negative or inconclusive
  4. Upload a picture of the testing device to the form and submit

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What to do if your test result is positive

  • A positive rapid antigen test in an individual with COVID-19 symptoms is highly indicative that the individual has COVID-19 and should self-isolate as per the Public Health Guidelines. 
  • Complete YU Screen, which will direct you to public health guidance based on the collected information.
  • A designated staff member may contact you to provide individualized information regarding public health guidance.
  • Please check out Toronto Public Health’s webpage or your local public health authority for more information.
  • You are encouraged to upload your result to the COVID-19 Test Result form.
  • Visit York’s Well-being site to be connected with a variety of health and well-being resources. 
  • COVID-19 treatment depends on the type and severity of illness and can range from symptom management to the use of specific antiviral treatment and even hospitalization. Consult your physician for more information. If it is a medical emergency, call 911.
    • Antiviral treatment is now available for high-risk individuals to lower the risk of serious illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19 infection. It is important to know if you are eligible for treatment and can be assessed using the COVID-19 antiviral treatment screener. Do not delay consulting your physician since some treatments need to be taken within five to seven days of your symptoms starting. 

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FAQs  

Yes. According to Public Health Guidelines, if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms you should seek molecular testing such as a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), if you are eligible. To find out if you are eligible, please go to the COVID-19 Provincial Testing Guidance.

According to Public Health Guidelines, those who are not eligible for PCR and have COVID-19 symptoms should use rapid antigen tests to assess the likelihood their symptoms are related to COVID-19. Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., fever, cough, difficulty breathing, etc.) should stay home, self-isolate and is encouraged to complete a self-assessment using  YU Screen. 

You are encouraged to upload your result to the COVID-19 Test Result form and complete YU Screen. If you have questions regarding symptom and or need for isolation, review the information on the  Toronto Public Health website or call the Toronto Public Health hotline at 416-338-7600.

  • You are encouraged to upload your result to the COVID-19 Test Result form and complete YU Screen.
  • Repeat the test with new test supplies from your package.   
  • If the second test result is inconclusive, please contact YORK-YUTestingClinic@yuoffice.yorku.ca . Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home, self-isolate and is recommended to complete a self-assessment using  YU Screen. 

In accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and York University's Policy on Access to Information and Protection of Privacy, the personal information provided on this form is collected under the authority of the York University Act, 1965 for the purposes of protecting the health and safety of students, faculty and staff who are studying or working on campus or living in residence.

If you have any questions about the collection, use or disclosure of this information by York University, please contact YORK-YUTestingClinic@yuoffice.yorku.ca.

Please follow the expiration date provided on the QR code label on the outside of your test supply package. The Ministry of Health has extended the shelf-life for some brands of the testing supplies, which has been reflected on the date on the QR code label on your package. The QR code label and the rapid antigen testing program resource page will be updated, as required, to reflect any changes in direction from the Ministry of Health.

For traveling purposes, please consult your local and destination guidelines regarding test requirements. Please consult the manufacturer's guidance for information on maintaining the integrity of the test supplies during shipping (e.g., air travel).

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Contact us 

 For any questions, email: YORK-YUTestingClinic@yuoffice.yorku.ca   

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