Since announcing that more Saskatchewan people would be offered testing effective May 25, 2020, more than 4,000 residents have called for testing, a jump of 60 per cent in the volume of calls coming into HealthLine 811. Those working outside of the home accounted for about 20 per cent of the referrals each week.
“We learn more about COVID-19 as research progresses, and the additional insight gained from expanded testing is invaluable to our strategy to delay and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. It is also important that the public be self-aware of their risk factors and self-monitor. If you feel you need a test, call HealthLine 811, your family physician or nurse practitioner,” says Dr. Jessica Minion, Acting Provincial Clinical Lead for Public Health, Laboratory Medicine. “We are able to support expanding access to testing and we encourage people to seek it if they feel they need it.”
The criteria was further expanded to offer testing to anyone entering a hospital for a stay of greater than 24 hours, including expectant mothers. Immunocompromised patients and their care providers, and individuals who had no symptoms but had concerns about COVID-19 as it pertains to their health are also now eligible for testing. Although not new, screening and testing in long-term care or personal care homes has been further defined to provide added clarity to testing requirements for residents upon admission or return to a home.
“We are in the early stages of expanded testing, but are pleased to see that there is an active interest in getting tested,” said Chantel LaHaye, Director with Primary Health. “The testing sites are designed to guide the individual from the moment they drive into the parking lot through to the testing procedure. The entire process takes little time and there is limited contact with other individuals to best ensure the health and safety of all with the use of personal protective equipment and recommended physical distancing practices,” noted LaHaye. “We do our best to make people feel comfortable with the testing experience, so support those you love by not being afraid to get tested.”
For more information on COVID-19 and the new testing criteria, please visit Saskatchewan.ca/COVID19 to use the self-assessment tool provided, call HealthLine 811 or speak to your family physician or nurse practitioner.
