The provincial government is moving to increase access to primary and emergency care through expanded virtual services.

A request for proposals will be issued this week to provide that option on a wider scale for people without a family doctor, and to reduce the number of emergency room closures and diversions in the province.

The RFP comes amid routine closures of so-called category B or rural emergency departments throughout the province due to staffing shortages.

The latest involves the Dr. William H. Newhook Community Health Centre in Whitbourne, which will be without emergency room services all this week.

The closure is effective from 8 a.m. today until next Monday.

Anyone in distress during that time should travel to Carbonear, Placentia or St. John’s.