For more information about Ontario’s COVID Vaccination Plan and current eligibility, please visit the government of Ontario website.

Yes. Individuals without a photo OHIP card may bring another form of a photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, a piece of registered mail, pay stub, student card, government issued identification from other jurisdictions including: foreign passports, other provincial or territorial health cards, or driver’s license. Expired government issued identity documents will also be accepted for this purpose.

Should a person have no identity documentation or photo documentation they may work with their public health unit and/or community organizations to verify their identity. This may be provided in the form of a letter from a community organization or other identity verification form.

Yes. However, we recommend receiving both vaccines once you arrive in the other province.

Options for Booking COVID-19 Vaccines

• NYGH-NYTHP COVID-19 Vaccination
• Ontario clinics and participating pharmacies covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/

If you are a senior in the North York area and require assistance getting to your vaccination appointment, contact the Seniors’ Hotline for North York at 416-447- 5200.

On the day of your vaccination, please bring with you:

• Your health card or piece of identification 

Also, please wear a short-sleeved shirt.

Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment, and no earlier.                                                                                 

When you arrive, you'll be asked a series of screening questions, and to show your health card, and another government-issued piece of photo ID.

After you have passed the screening process, you will be asked to check in and consent to the vaccination. You will then receive your vaccination and wait 15 minutes following vaccination as per guidelines.                                                                         

After the 15-minute wait, you can check out. Before you leave, you will be given an information sheet with appointment details for your second dose.              

It is essential that you be on time. We do not want to waste any doses if people miss their time slots.

If you need assistance please speak with your family doctor or primary care provider, or a local community agency that provides transportation support. The North York Seniors Support Line at (416) 447-5200 can also assist you with transportation to appointments and other supports to help you receive a vaccination.

Yes.

The Government of Ontario announced an accelerated rollout of second doses starting with individuals 70 years of age and older and others who received their first dose on or before April 18.

Following this direction, North York General Hospital (NYGH) and North York Toronto Health Partners (NYTHP) are contacting eligible individuals who received their first dose at an NYGH-NYTHP clinic to book a second dose. Our mobile clinics will also continue to provide first doses to our community.

At this time, second doses at a NYGH-NYTHP clinic are by appointment only as eligible groups are identified by the Ontario Government who received their first doses at an NYGH-NYTHP clinic.

To get the best protection against COVID-19, it is important you receive the second dose at the appropriate time, even if you experience mild side effects after the first dose.                                                                                 

If you miss your second dose, schedule another appointment as soon as possible

After receiving your first dose, you will receive an automatic notification by email or text with the date and time of your second dose, which will be 16 weeks from the time of your first dose.

You will receive an email or text to confirm details about your second dose booking. Those who prefer a phone call will be contacted by phone.

Yes.

Depending on vaccine supply, we are either administering Pfizer or Moderna. However, with more vaccines being approved by Health Canada, this list may change.  

Yes. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and have been rigorously evaluated. Vaccination, together with continued vigilance including wearing masks and physical distancing with those outside of your home, is our best hope to prevent people from getting ill, hospitalized, and potentially dying from COVID-19.

Read more about the approved vaccines approved by Health Canada.

Most people don’t experience any side effects at all. As with any vaccine, some people (less than 10%) will experience mild to moderate symptoms such as pain from the injection, fatigue and headache. These are expected and should resolve in a few days. In very rare cases, allergic reactions can occur, but these are usually temporary and can be treated. 

No. The vaccine is free of charge.

Pregnant people are encouraged to get the vaccine as soon as possible. It is safe during any stage of pregnancy.  Please speak with your family physician or specialist before getting vaccinated. To help educate our community about the safety of the COVID vaccine during pregnancy, we have launched a new video featuring experts from our Maternal Newborn and Family Medicine units. You can watch the video below:

People who have new or worsening COVID-19 symptoms, cold symptoms (including earache), and/or a cough may book an appointment to visit the North York Cough, Cold and COVID Test Clinic. Those who meet other criteria (such as having close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19) may also book an appointment. The full list of criteria can be found here.

Please note each person entering the Test Clinic must wear a mask. Eating and/or drinking inside the clinic is not allowed.

Please read more about the testing criteria before booking your appointment. 

The clinic is located at NYGH’s Branson (Finch) site at 555 Finch Ave. W. (West entrance).
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

*North York General is offering testing by appointment only. Please only book an appointment for a COVID-19 test if you meet one of the required criteria. 

Book your test online or call 416-635-2509 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to book your appointment over the phone.

In order to protect patients and frontline health care providers during the current COVID-19 pandemic only patients who have a confirmed appointment are allowed inside the hospital. We understand how upsetting this may be, but it is necessary to keep your loved ones safe.

If you require special assistance, please contact your physician’s office and request to have one support person accompany you. This request will only be granted for patients who require assistance. You and your support person will need to show photo identification (i.e. driver’s license). 

Yes. The North York Cough, Cold and COVID Test Clinic is by appointment only. Please book your appointment online or by calling 416-635-2509 (daily from 8 p.m. to 4 p.m.). There are often same-day appointments available at the clinic for those looking for the first available appointment.. 

Yes, please bring your health card to your appointment at the North York Cough, Cold and COVID Test Clinic.

When you arrive for your appointment, you will be seen by a nurse who will provide an initial assessment and offer a COVID PCR test (nasopharyngeal swab) if appropriate. Upon request and/or if you meet certain criteria, you may be assessed by a physician at the clinic who may examine you and provide a prescription if deemed necessary. You may receive recommendations about following up with your family doctor for re-assessment and/or further testing or, you may be redirected to the emergency department.  

No. The Cough, Cold and COVID Test Clinic does not conduct medical imaging exams (including X-ray, ultrasound or other tests) or bloodwork. If further testing is required, you will be redirected to your family doctor or the emergency department.

Since symptoms of COVID and other respiratory viruses are similar, patients who come to the Test Clinic will be encouraged to have a COVID test. If results are negative but you still have concerns, you may be advised to follow-up with your family physician. If your symptoms persist or worsen, you may repeat COVID testing and/or assessment at our clinic. If you are experiencing more concerning symptoms do not visit the Test Clinic. Instead, call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency department.

The North York Cough, Cold and COVID Test Clinic will accept appointments for asymptomatic individuals for the following only:

• Those who identify as Indigenous
• Individuals and one caregiver with written approval for out-of-country medical services from OHIP
• Those travelling for work into remote/isolated First Nation and Indigenous communities 

North York General has expanded its services at the North York Cough, Cold and COVID Test Clinic (formerly the Branson COVID Assessment Centre at our NYGH Finch site) to provide assessment and testing for people with symptoms related to COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. The clinic provides testing for COVID-19 as well as assessment for other respiratory symptoms. Patients may be seen by a doctor who may check ears, throat and lungs, and, if necessary, provide a prescription. If a person presents with symptoms outside the scope of the clinic or requires further testing, a recommendation will be made to follow up with their family doctor. If appropriate, they may be redirected to the emergency room.

The North York Cough, Cold and COVID Test Clinic does not administer tests for international travel.

Those in need of urgent or emergency care should not come to the Test Clinic. Please call 9-1-1 or visit your nearest emergency department if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• New disorientation, confusion, or decrease in level of consciousness
• Fever lasting over 4 days
• Chest pain/pressure
• Continuous vomiting and/or dehydration

Do not come to the clinic for symptoms other than COVID-19 or cold symptoms.

Please note other care services previously offered at the NYGH Finch site have moved. There is no access to an urgent care centre, emergency services, lab, or diagnostic imaging at this location.

The North York Cough, Cold and COVID Test Clinic is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (by appointment only). Please book your appointment online or call 416-635-2509 (daily from 8 p.m. to 4 p.m.). You can also visit the Parkway Forest Community Centre (55 Forest Manor Rd.) every Saturday from 12 noon to 5 p.m. for COVID-19 testing only. No appointment is needed at Parkway Forest Community Centre.

Most results are available within 24 to 48 hours but may take longer in some cases.

As part of our COVID-19 measures, there is one designated entrance into the hospital (unless going to the emergency department or Assessment Centre). These changes help protect our patients and health care providers.

Please use the South entrance as the designated entry and drop-off point.

To exit the hospital or pick someone up, please use the West lobby doors only. 

North York General is providing masks to everyone entering the hospital. Please note if you are wearing gloves, we will kindly ask you to remove them, as we want to ensure no outside germs are coming into the hospital. 

While inside the hospital please follow the safety measures in place to protect you: 

• Masks can help prevent the spread of respiratory illness, including COVID-19. Keep a mask on at all times when inside the hospital.

• Follow physical distancing of 2 meters (6 feet), this includes seating in waiting areas, elevators and line-ups.

Yes, it is safe to receive care at North York General. We are taking all necessary precautions to protect patients. Staff, physicians and learners are wearing Personal Protective Equipment and patients can be cared for in special isolation rooms if necessary. 

Yes, to help reduce of the spread COVID-19, North York General Hospital is offering testing by appointment only.

Please read more about the testing criteria before booking your appointment. 

Branson Assessment Centre 
555 Finch Ave.W  (North Entrance)
Hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

*North York General is offering testing by appointment only. Please only book an appointment for a COVID-19 test if you meet one of the required criteria. 

Book your test online or call 416-635-2509 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to book your appointment over the phone.

In order to protect patients and frontline health care providers during the current COVID-19 pandemic only patients who have a confirmed appointment are allowed inside the hospital. We understand how upsetting this may be, but it is necessary to keep your loved ones safe.

If you require special assistance, please contact your physician’s office and request to have one support person accompany you. This request will only be granted for patients who require assistance. You and your support person will need to show photo identification (i.e. driver’s license). 

All patients who have a confirmed in-person appointment at the hospital will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to their appointment. You may be contacted ahead of your appointment to answer screening questions over the phone. 

When you arrive at the hospital you will be screened at the South entrance. Our screeners will ask if you have any symptoms or if you have travelled or been in contact with someone who has travelled. If you are feeling unwell, please call your healthcare provider ahead of your visit to discuss next steps. 

Yes, you must bring your health card to every appointment.

The Charlotte & Lewis Steinberg Emergency Department (ED) is open and continues to provide care for urgent needs. All patients will be screened for COVID-19 when they arrive, and will be isolated if needed. We do our best to provide high quality care whether your symptoms are related to COVID-19 or any other medical emergency.

To protect the health of patients and health care providers from the spread of COVID-19, the government of Ontario directed all hospitals to postpone all non-urgent outpatient clinical appointments, if safe to do so, and rescheduled. 

See our list of clinic changes.

Where possible we are offering telephone and virtual care. If you have questions, please contact the clinic directly. Learn more about virtual care visits.

Please note, all emergency and urgent services remain open.

Click here for information for patients undergoing surgery.

Yes, it is safe to deliver your baby at NYGH.

One dedicated visitor/support person, per patient is in effect in Labour and Delivery and on the Mother and Baby Unit (2W). The one dedicated visitor/support person must remain the same throughout the family’s stay in hospital. The identified designated visitor/support person will be asked additional screening questions for COVID-19 related symptoms. This is to ensure that any additional visitors/support persons within our care environments are not unwell. Please visit the Maternal Newborn and Paediatric Care webpage for more information on visitor guidelines for the unit.

The Maternal, Newborn and Paediatric Care Program has compiled a list of resources for parents and families to support their children during this pandemic. Visit the COVID-19 Resources page for more information. 

We understand the importance and integral role families, loved ones and caregivers have in providing physical, social and emotional support to patients. North York General’s visitor policy has changed in response to COVID-19. Visitors/support persons may visit if they meet the visitor criteria or have been approved by the clinic/department. Please visit the Visitor Access Guidelines page for more information.

Virtual Family Visits are being offered to patients/ residents and their loved ones as a Patient- and Family-Centred Care initiative during COVID-19. We are using virtual visits to reduce the number of people in the hospital. During a virtual visit you do not come to the hospital to meet in person. Instead, you speak with your care team using a telephone, smartphone or your computer. At the General site, Virtual Family Visits are approximately 20 minutes long and can be booked in advance online. We are using Microsoft Teams and FaceTime to connect virtually. For other NYGH sites, please connect directly with the unit.

NYGH will provide you with information regarding your medications, instructions for post-surgery/appointment and follow-up care. You can also connect with your primary care physician if you have any questions. 

For prescriptions, we have a retail pharmacy where you can fill your prescription.

Yes, the Outpatient Pharmacy is open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Before coming into the hospital, please call our pharmacy at 416-756-6752 to discuss the details regarding your request with our staff.  Please note that access to the hospital is now limited and you will be screened before entering. If you have fever, chills, shakes, a new/worsening cough, shortness of breath and/or have traveled in the past 14 days please call our staff before visiting.

To reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses, including coronaviruses, you should follow usual health precautions during your stay at the hospital and when you return home:

• Masks can help prevent the spread of respiratory illness, including COVID-19. Keep a mask on at all times when inside the hospital.

• Follow physical distancing of 2 meters (6 feet), this includes seating in waiting areas, elevators and line-ups.

Signage and tape have been placed in seating areas across the hospital to remind patients of physical distancing. As services begin to ramp up we have introduced additional seating with social distancing in our lobby spaces.

Starbucks (located in South lobby) and Tim Horton’s (first floor) remain open. Please pick up your food and remain six feet apart if eating in common areas.  

We do not accept food deliveries from home or outside restaurants to in-patient floors.