A new COVID-19 testing clinic for school age children is now up and running at the Janeway Hospital. It’s part of a number of new measures in place by Eastern Health to address wait times and backlogs for those who require COVID testing.

When schools re-opened and restrictions surrounding self-isolation for rotational workers eased, the demand for COVID-19 testing suddenly increased.

That resulted in reports of people waiting for extended periods – sometimes hours – trying to get through.

The health authority says more resources have been added to the COVID-19 referral line to allow callers to select one option for parents concerned about school age children, and another option for rotational workers.

The referral line’s hours have also been extended from 8:00 to 8:00 p.m. seven days a week.

People who are experiencing symptoms are asked to complete the online COVID-19 assessment form, and call 811 which will then direct the caller to the referral line if necessary.