**** NSHA Media Release
Between April 25 and 27, NSHA processed almost 40,000 COVID-19 tests (14, 730 processed on April 27 alone).
Between April 25 and today, almost 74,000 tests were booked online. This does not include rapid testing or drop-in testing.
Due to the huge volume of tests, we are experiencing some delays in processing negative lab results, and delays issuing notifications. Please be reassured that these are in progress; it is simply taking longer than usual.
In the past week we have emailed 66,574 negative test results and made 3,500 live calls to communicate negative test results to those we couldn’t reach otherwise. Those being tested are encouraged to sign up for email notification of negative test results. To be eligible, you need to bring a provincial health card with you to your testing appointment. However, due to volumes, you may still experience a delay in receiving your results; it may take longer than 72 hours.
Our voicemail system for those whose test results are outstanding after 72 hours is also overflowing. Public Health has responded to almost 2,000 phone calls in the past few days. If you have left a voicemail, we appreciate your patience as our team works to get back to you. Rest assured, we are working as best we can to notify people of their test result.
We recognize that long waits for test results can have a negative impact, including on a person’s ability to work. For those who have had to wait longer than expected for test results, we are sorry and thank you for your patience and understanding. Our teams continue to work hard to provide results in as timely a way as possible.
Thanks so much for your patience!
