Chief Medical Officer Dr. Janice Fitzgerald has announced changes to the testing criteria for COVID-19.

Public Health has expanded testing to include those with symptoms, and members of vulnerable and higher-risk populations.

Dr. Fitzgerald says the goal is to identify and prevent the spread of the virus within health care facilities including long-term care and personal care homes, day cares, emergency shelters, correctional facilities and other housing programs that serve vulnerable populations.

Dr. Fitzgerald says the situation is evolving rapidly and they will continue to use data to inform how testing may change in the coming weeks.