I Got Tested for Covid and Here are the Results by @EdenBaylee

Yesterday, I spoke with author Bill Kirton about another new experience in the slew of new experiences since lockdown. Over the weekend, my husband and I got tested for Covid-19. Neither of us was symptomatic, but we wanted some assurance that we were not carriers. As we are both fortunate enough to still have our mothers, we wished to see them them without the worry of infecting them. Of course, this goes for all family and friends, but in particular, for our parents.

Initially, the test sites in Toronto, Canada, where I live, were not accepting patients unless they exhibited specific symptoms of Covid or suspected exposure to it. 

In June, this changed. First responders and employees of liquor stores were ordered to undergo testing, along with staff at certain adult correctional facilities, hospital personnel, and workers at congregate residential settings. This was followed by “pop-up” testing centres in neighbourhoods hardest hit by the virus.

We decided to go on Sunday to one of many Covid Assessment Centres around the city. The one closest to us was affiliated with UHN, a collection of health centres and hospitals. No appointment was necessary. We arrived shortly after they opened at noon and were met by a long queue. There was already close to forty people in line under two long awnings temporarily erected outside the test site. It was a gloomy day. What else did we have to do?

In front of us were single people, couples, and families, all observing social distancing. There was a group of four which included two adults and two young kids around five. It was all very civilized, even though a scooter parked mid-queue sounded an alarm each time someone walked by it. You know the angst threshold is high when a vehicle's annoying alarm becomes a comforting distraction.

The worst part of the waiting was when a severe storm hit. Even though we stood under the awning, both of us got drenched. The forecast had called for a tornado, and the winds blew the rain sideways. Being cold, wet, and wearing a soggy mask was not fun, but it was symbolic. Why should the experience be pleasant? At one point, I even thought of how funny it would be if we got struck by lightning or swept away by rains while waiting to be tested for Covid! Wouldn't that be a ridiculous way to die?

The rains stopped by the time we got inside the centre. Efficient and friendly health care workers took our information and directed us to one of several rooms for testing. Our nurse, Kaitlin administered the test. It was uncomfortable, but not at all painful. I've had every orifice of my body poked and prodded, and this test was nothing by comparison. The swab was thin and flexible and inserted into one nostril. My husband said he wanted to sneeze, and I felt like I had snorted water up my nose inadvertently. The discomfort was fleeting.

The hardest part of the whole experience was trying to get out of the parking lot afterward. Our ticket did not open the gate, so we had to go inside the hospital to pay first. We got home, showered, ate hot dogs, and drank wine. Test results were sent to us less than 24 hours later.

I'm happy to say we both tested negative for Covid. Considering we've been isolating since March, I would've been surprised otherwise, however, I didn't want to take any chances. For me, there is no shame in being sick, unless you choose to tempt fate by not listening to the medical experts. My fear was always about unknowingly spreading the virus to someone else. 

Though the negative result means nothing more than: I did not have the virus at the time of testing, I'm still relieved by the outcome. It allows me to see my mom and mother-in-law with some peace of mind. I look forward to giving them something I haven't been able to give anyone except my husband since March—a simple hug. 

Stay safe everyone, 

eden 🥰