There are widespread reports of parents unable to get through to 811 to book an appointment for a COVID-19 test as children across the province are being kept or sent home with sniffles and other cold-like symptoms.

Minister John Haggie spoke with reporters this afternoon at the House of Assembly.

He says government is considering a number of options to handle the influx now that rotational workers are getting tested and school is open.

One includes dialing options to allow people to dial one for rotational workers and two for students experiencing symptoms.

The other is the possibility of hiring more staff.