REGINA - With the increase of positive COVID-19 cases across the province, the Saskatchewan Health Authority has moved all initial notifications for COVID test results to an automated service.
In May 2021, the SHA launched the auto-notification for negative COVID-19 test results. Now, beginning Sept. 17, anyone tested for COVID-19 in Saskatchewan will be informed of both their positive and negative COVID-19 lab test results through text message or voice call message notifications. Auto-notification is an efficient and cost effective way to notify individuals of their COVID-19 test results and reach those who have been confirmed as a positive COVID-19 case so they can start self-isolation immediately prior to the phone call from Public Health.
During COVID-19 lab tests at participating testing centres, individuals will be asked to provide or confirm their telephone number. Based on processing times at the lab, notifications will be sent to those aged 12 years and over regarding their positive or negative COVID-19 lab test result between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Parents/guardians can receive results for dependents under the age of 18 years old.
Positive COVID-19 text and voice message notifications will be followed up with a phone call from public health or a community health nurse within 24 to 48 hours. Additionally, public health will provide the individual with further direction on self-isolation, masking and contact tracing.
These messages will be easily identifiable as coming from the Saskatchewan Health Authority with the short code 89364 for text messages or 306-655-4603 for voice call messages. This system will not require or ask for any financial information or ask you to provide any personal information beyond the information needed to verify or confirm that the correct person has been contacted.
For more information about automated COVID-19 test results, please visit saskatchewan.ca/COVID19. For further information on authority, please visit The Public Health Act, 1994 and The Disease Control Regulations.
