COVID-19 Test: When do I need one?
COVID-19 testing keeps the circle of protection strong
- COVID-19 tests help detect infections so we can take action to reduce spreading it to people around us.
- Taking a COVID-19 test is an important layer of protection to detect and control the virus in our communities.
- Make it a habit to get tested when recommended. Help keep the circle of protection strong around your family and community.

Testing helps detect infections
- COVID-19 tests help us know when people are infected with the virus, whether they have symptoms or not.
- Some people don’t have any symptoms (asymptomatic) or have very mild symptoms.
- Anyone who catches COVID-19 can transmit the virus to people around them, whether they have symptoms or not.
- People who catch COVID-19 can transmit the virus to people around them, even if they are vaccinated.
Keep the circle of protection strong: Get tested
- It's important to find out if you are infected so you can avoid making other people sick.
- Testing provides knowledge for people so they can take steps and actions to reduce transmission to their family and community members.


When should I take a COVID-19 test?
- If you have any symptoms or feel sick.
- Symptoms could be: a cough, tiredness, fever, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, headache, aches and pains.
- If you've had recent contact with someone who has COVID-19 (for example, you visited a family member or shared a car ride with someone).
If any of these situations happens, you can get tested at the CMC or Hospital, or use a rapid test.
Do I need to get tested for COVID-19 if I'm vaccinated?
- If you're fully vaccinated, you have a strong layer of protection against severe COVID-19 disease.
- The vaccine protects people against severe disease and hospitalization.
- People who are vaccinated have a lower chance of becoming infected, but they can still catch COVID-19.
- When that happens, they can still pass on the virus to people around them.
- Any person who catches COVID-19 can pass it on to people around them, whether they've had their vaccines or not.

If you have received your COVID-19 test result, whether positive or negative, please read the instructions to understand your next steps.

The Cree Board of Health recommends you wear a mask in certain situations to protect yourself and people around you.