Make sure you check these boxes before going to get a COVID-19 test at a Windsor pharmacy

There's lots to know before getting your nostrils swabbed for COVID-19 at a Windsor pharmacy, so make sure you check these boxes before heading out.

Last week the province announced that ithas expanded testing to pharmacies, withthree Shoppers Drug Marts authorized in Windsor and two others in Sarnia.

Across Ontario, strict guidelines have been put in place for those looking to get a test done at a pharmacy.

The main rule is that only those who are asymptomatic and havenot been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 can receive a test. The person must also fall under one of five categories:

• Living, working in or visiting a long-term care facility.
• Residing or volunteering ata shelter.
• Have been given a clearance for international travel.
• An international student travelling into the country to start school after the14-day isolation period ends.
• An Indigenous person.

In Windsor, locations started testing on Tuesday.

CBC News spoke withthe Devonshire Mall Shopper's Drug Mart pharmacistMatthew Thibertabout how testing has gone so far.

"It's been busy," Thibert said. "I wasn't really sure whether or not we would see such a demand for it, but I will say that we have definitely seen a lot of demand."

He said they've been taking calls since Friday evening and have completed 20 tests so far, but have done50 phone assessments.

The pharmacy is not taking any walk-ins, Thibert said, adding that people must complete a phone assessment before coming in to the store. The assessment will determine whether the person falls under the outlined criteria.

WATCH |Local pharmacist Matthew Thibert explains what people need to know before getting tested:

Pharmacist Matthew Thibert explains what the testing process is like

4 years ago

Duration 1:45

CBC's Tahmina Aziz speaks with Thibert and outlines the criteria Windsorites must meet to be tested in a pharmacy.

Locations approved for testing in Sarnia and Windsor include:

• Devonshire Mall in Windsor at3100 Howard Ave.
• Tecumseh Mall in Windsor at7720 Tecumseh Rd. E.
• Huron Church in Windsor at1760 Huron Church Rd.
• 2600 Lakeshore Rd inSarnia.
• Michigan & Murphy in Sarnia at 1206 Michigan Ave.