Since announcing more people in Saskatchewan would be offered testing effective on May 25, more than 4,000 residents called for testing, representing 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, said Dr. Jessica Minion, Acting Provincial Clinical Lead for Public Health, Laboratory Medicine. “If you feel you need a test, call HealthLine 811, your family physician or nurse practitioner.”
Minion emphasized the importance of testing to avert the extent of COVID-19 in the province. “We are able to support expanding access to testing and we encourage people to seek it if they feel they need it.”
Read the rest of this news release on Saskatchewan Health Authority’s website: https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca/news/releases/Pages/2020/June/SHA-encourages-residents-to-seek-testing-for-COVID-19.aspx
