NORTH BATTLEFORD - The Saskatchewan Health Authority has confirmed that demand has risen for COVID-19 testing, due to both the resurgence of the virus as well as requirements for proof of negative test results if proof of vaccination is not available.
In a news release Oct. 1, SHA states that the “high level of testing requests is resulting in significant demands on the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) Test and Assessment sites and Laboratory Medicine teams.”
They are asking their testing and laboratory teams to prioritize specimens belonging to individuals experiencing COVID symptoms. They state that streamlining testing within SHA to symptomatic and select asymptomatic testing “will ensure a rapid response to outbreak management and case investigation of COVID positive individuals in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our province.”
SHA COVID-19 PCR tests will only be provided for those meeting the following classifications:
• Persons with symptoms of COVID-19;
• In community, those hospitalized and in congregate living;
• Further priority orders include Medical Health Officer requests for STAT testing (surveillance in congregate living and high-risk settings);
• Those with a positive antigen test;
• Close contacts to a positive COVID case.
• Persons identified in an outbreak situation as ordered by a Medical Health Officer with specific focus on healthcare workers, students and staff within educational institutions;
• Anyone requiring transfer or admission to congregate settings such as long-term care, personal care home, social services and acute care facilities; and
• Surveillance testing of immunocompromised patients including chemotherapy and hemodialysis.
Individuals needing to acquire proof of a negative COVID-19 test are being referred to private fee-for-service COVID testing companies within Saskatchewan. That includes Canmar Occupational Testing, 2B 11204 Railway Ave. East in North Battleford, which is offering rapid antigen testing, by appointment. They also offer antibody testing.
In the Battlefords, Quantum Genetix PCR self collection kits are available locally at Shoppers Drug Mart. In a statement Shoppers Drug Mart explains what they are providing in terms of testing:
"At this time, Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies in Saskatchewan are not participating in public rapid testing programs. Our pharmacies are, however, providing COVID-19 PCR testing for outbound travel. These tests are by appointment only and patients are screened beforehand to ensure they are asymptomatic, meaning they do not have symptoms, have not had close contact with anyone who has or is presumed to have COVID-19, have not travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days and really have no reason to believe they may have COVID-19."
Testing is also available in other parts of the province including Saskatoon and Regina. A full list of locations for private COVID testing in the province can be found at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/testing-information/where .
As well, the SHA continues to strongly recommend that everyone eligible for vaccination immediately get immunized against COVID-19 and its variants. Vaccines can be accessed through SHA clinics or pharmacies. To view the clinics and book an appointment visit saskatchewan.ca/COVID19? Vaccinations are also available at participating pharmacies throughout the province, which can be found at saskatchewan.ca/covid19-pharmacies.
