October 19, 2020
Province Helping Protect Manitobans by Enhancing Access to COVID-19 Testing, Test Results
– – –Appointment-Based Testing Launching in Winnipeg, Positive Test Results to be Available Online: Friesen
The Manitoba government is introducing new, more convenient ways for people to access COVID-19 testing in Winnipeg and positive test results online, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen announced today.
“As we roll out these new initiatives, Manitobans who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms will be able to get tested faster and receive their results more quickly online,” said Friesen. “We are making improvements every day to reduce wait times and keep people safe.”
A new, appointment-based scheduling system for COVID-19 tests will be implemented tomorrow at 6 a.m. People will be able to call 1-855-268-4318 (toll-free) or go online to make appointments to get a COVID-19 test. The system is rolling out in Winnipeg first to help address the high demand for tests across the city.
At this time, only people with symptoms are being advised to get tested for COVID-19. Appointments are expected to take about five minutes for adults and about 10 minutes for children. People are asked to arrive about 10 minutes early for their appointment to allow time to check in and to bring their health card or government-issued identification.
Initially, appointments will be available at testing centres and drive-up sites at 604 St. Mary’s Rd., 2735 Pembina Hwy. and 1181 Portage Ave. Drive-thru testing sites at 1284 Main St. and 1066 Nairn Ave. and the site at Thunderbird House at 715 Main St. will remain first-come, first-served sites at this time. The system will be rolled out to other communities in the weeks ahead. For more information on testing locations, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19/updates/testing.html.
The minister also noted that starting later this week, Manitobans will be able to access positive COVID-19 test results in Shared Health’s online self-serve portal. This expansion of the information available on the portal, which has previously only provided negative COVID-19 test results, will make it more convenient to get this important health information for any individual with a Manitoba health card.
Public health officials will continue to contact individuals who test positive to begin contact tracing. However, information in the portal will provide immediate guidance to positive cases about their requirement to isolate while they wait to be contacted. Public health officials aim to connect with positive cases within the first 24 to 48 hours after a positive test result is received.
The portal also includes information for those individuals who need immediate assistance or support. They are encouraged to call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.
For the week of Oct. 9 to 15, more than 93 per cent of all individuals tested for COVID-19 in Manitoba have retrieved their results via the online portal, with the remaining individuals contacting Health Links–Info Santé. To access results through the portal, individuals must have and present their Manitoba health card when being tested and then register online at https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/test-results/.
- 30 -