December 19, 2022
Central Health advises the public that COVID-19 public testing clinics will no longer be set up throughout the region. Any referral received through the Online COVID-19 Assessment and Test Reporting Tool prior to this announcement will be honored. Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are now available to the public and are recommended for use.
Testing sites for the public can be reinstated, as needed, based on the epidemiology of the province, and will continue in some priority areas for outbreak management and/or patient care.
COVID-19 Testing, Treatment Options and Symptoms
Two COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests containing five tests each (or 10 tests per household) are being delivered to households by Canada Post. Tests are also available at public libraries and MHA offices across the province. For more information, please visit the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s ‘How to get a Rapid Antigen Test’ webpage via https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/public-health-guidance/testing/how-to-get-a-rapid-antigen-test/.
If you are at higher risk of severe disease, you should test for COVID-19; this can be done using a rapid antigen test. If positive, you may be eligible for early treatment. Contact your primary care provider (family physician or nurse practitioner) or your pharmacist to discuss if treatment is appropriate for you.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, stay at home until your symptoms have improved and you haven’t had a fever for at least 24 hours. It is recommended to use a rapid self-test. Repeat testing improves accuracy; if the first rapid self-test is negative, and you continue to have symptoms, do another test 48 hours later. For more information regarding rapid self-tests, please visit Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s webpage via https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/testing/how-to-use-rapid-self-tests/instructions/.
To keep those around you safe, when you feel better and leave your home, for 10 days after your symptoms you should wear a mask outside your household, avoid non-essential visits to high-risk areas, and avoid non-essential close contact with high-risk individuals.
Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations
Please remember to get your flu shot and to stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations. Appointment availability is being updated regularly.
Flu vaccine clinics: For more information and to book an appointment, please visit https://www.timefortheshot.ca/ or call 1-833-951-3904 (toll-free).
COVID-19 vaccine clinics: For more information and to book an appointment, please visit https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/vaccine/gettheshot/ or call 1-833-961-3749 (toll-free).
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Media contact: Gayle St. Croix Director, Communications and Government Relations gayle.stcroix@centralhealth.nl.ca
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