December 30, 2021
PUBLIC ADVISORY
COVID-19 drive-thru testing volumes in Happy Valley-Goose Bay
Labrador-Grenfell Health is aware of long lines and extended wait times at the drive-thru COVID-19 testing taking place at Bethel Pentecostal Tabernacle (250 Hamilton River Rd.). This is resulting in significant delays in testing for those identified as high-risk contacts.
The health region’s testing teams thank residents for their willingness to be tested and for their understanding and patience. Front line employees appreciate the kindness they have received.
To help streamline the swabbing and testing process, ensure contacts are screened, keep residents and testing teams as safe as possible, and improve the experience for residents, the following changes will take place:
- On December 31st, only high-risk clients will be swabbed. High-risk clients include those identified as close contacts AND who have been notified by Public Health.
- Starting January 1st, testing will be done by appointment only. If you have been identified as a close contact, Public Health will contact you with an appointment time.
If you were in the line-up on Thursday, December 30th and were asked to return on Friday, only return if you were contacted by Public Health. If you were not contacted by Public Health but you have symptoms, please complete the online Self-Isolation Assessment Tool or call 8-1-1.
If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, but DO NOT have a medical emergency, please do not visit your local health facility. Emergency Department care teams will only test for COVID-19 if it is required as part of a medical emergency.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms and feel very sick or are not certain an online assessment is right for you, please call 8-1-1. In a medical emergency always call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency department.
“Our COVID-19 testing teams are seeing higher volumes of people wanting to be tested, and that’s encouraging. Our priority now is to ensure that those at highest risk get timely access to testing. That’s why we’re asking residents to only come to the drive-thru testing if you have been contacted by Public Health.”
– Heather Brown, President and CEO
For the most up-to-date COVID-19 information, please visit: www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19
Media Contact:
Labrador-Grenfell Health Communications
E: communications@lghealth.ca T: 587.645.0947