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SHA to use texts, recorded messages to notify of all COVID-19 test results

Sask. Health Authority says messages will be
Sask. Health Authority says messages will be

Beginning Friday, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) will use text and recorded messages for their initial notifications of COVID-19 test results to manage the increase of positive cases across the province.

In May, the SHA launched the auto-notification system for negative COVID-19 test results, but that service will now be used to notify COVID-19-positive people faster so they can start their self-isolation immediately.

People will be asked at testing centres for their telephone number. When the tests are completed, they will receive a text or automated voice message, which will precede a phone call from public health or a community nurse within 24 to 48 hours, the SHA said.

"Public health will provide the individual with further direction on self-isolation, masking and contact tracing," it said in a release.

Individuals, or their parent or guardian if they are less than 18 years old, will be notified between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.

The SHA said the auto-notification messages won't ask for any personal or financial information beyond what's necessary to confirm the correct person is being contacted.