Eastern Health is closing a number of emergency rooms this holiday season due to staff shortages.

Starting on Boxing Day and running until Monday, January 9, emergency services will be unavailable at the Dr. William H. Newhook Community Health Centre in Whitbourne and U.S. Memorial Health Centre in St. Lawrence.

Those with an emergency should call 911 or head to the nearest open emergency room.

Additional appointments have been added at the family practice clinic in St. Lawrence to address the demand. Those looking for appointments or those looking to access lab and ambulatory treatment services can call 709-873-2330.

Eastern Health is also reminding the public to contact 811 for non-urgent medical concerns.