Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing Available and Precautionary Measures Implemented for Codroy/Port aux Basques area (from South Branch to Rose Blanche)
Western Health is encouraging residents in the Codroy/Port aux Basques area, from South Branch to Rose Blanche to access COVID-19 testing whether or not they are symptomatic due to recent cases in the area. This testing is a precautionary measure to determine whether there has been transmission within the community as part of a public health investigation. Being tested is an opportunity to help protect the health of all community members.
As a result of the Codroy/Port aux Basques area from South Branch to Rose Branche moving to Alert Level 4 for a one week, the following measures are being implemented:
· Visitation at LeGrow Health Centre and personal care homes will be limited to one designated person for each patient and resident.
· Laboratory and Medical Imaging at LeGrow Health Centre will provide urgent and emergent appointments only for the next week. The department will contact each patient to advise if appointment is proceeding or cancelled.
· All other appointments/services offered by Western Health staff in this area (including at LeGrow Health Center) will proceed either in person or virtually. Individuals will be contacted to advise if there are any changes to their appointment. Vaccination clinics will continue in the area.
· At this time, there are no restrictions in place to eliminate travel within the area or within the region for essential services like vaccination appointments or other in person medical appointments for people who reside in the Codroy/Port aux Basques area.
Booking an appointment for Asymptomatic COVID testing
To arrange testing, individuals are asked to complete the online self-assessment and referral tool available here or call 811. When asked do you require a COVID-19 test as a result of an advisory from Public Health? (e.g., a flight or a public place connected to a COVID-19 case), please select “YES.” When entering your demographics, please answer “YES” to the question “are you involved in the Codroy Valley/Port aux Basques Investigation?”
Testing
Following the completion of the online self-assessment or call to 811, residents will be contacted to book an appointment time. Testing will be available on Thursday and Friday at the temporary drive up testing sites at St. Ann’s Center in Codroy Valley and at the Port Aux Basques Lion’s Club.
All individuals with symptoms are advised to isolate. Individuals who do not have symptoms do not need to isolate unless they have been advised to do so by public health.
Process for receiving results
Individuals who are tested can access their test results online through the Patient Results portal. Final results are normally available within 24 hours.
Everyone is reminded to follow public health measures including wearing masks, staying home when sick and supporting employees to do the same, practicing good hand hygiene, staying home as much as possible unless necessary for work and other essential activities, and following provincial public health requirements and recommendations.