December 19, 2022 – St. John’s, NL: Eastern Health advises the public that COVID-19 public testing clinics will no longer be set up throughout the province. This includes clinics located across the region in Burin, Clarenville, Harbour Grace and St. John’s. Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are now available to the public and are recommended for use.
Individuals who have an appointment booked at a testing clinic will be contacted to advise of any changes. Standing down on these swabbing sites will allow some assigned staff to return to normal duties in other health service delivery areas. Testing sites for the public can be reinstated, as needed, based on the epidemiology of the province, and will continue in priority areas including emergency rooms, physician offices, and congregate living settings for outbreak management.
COVID-19 Testing, Treatment Options and Symptoms
- Two COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests containing five tests each (or 10 tests for each household) are being delivered to households by Canada Post. Tests are also be 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 the 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 are feeling better and leave home, for 10 days after your symptoms started, 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 1-833-951-3904 (toll-free).
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