(Submitted photo/Saskatchewan Health Authority)

By CJME News

COVID TESTING

SHA to use automated messages to send out COVID test results

Sep 15, 2021 | 3:58 PM

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is preparing to use automated messages to give Saskatchewan residents the results of their COVID-19 tests.

The SHA announced Wednesday it was going to use an automated service to send out test results starting Friday.

The authority previously only sent negative test results through automated messages, a practice it started in May. As of Friday, anyone who has been tested for COVID in the province will get their results — positive or negative — via text or voice message.

While undergoing a COVID lab test, individuals will be asked for their telephone number.

Test results will be sent to people 12 and over from 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Parents or guardians can get the results for kids under the age of 18.

Election Profile

Mauri Young seeks second term

10m ago

New cabinet

Cockrill and Harrison take on new responsibilities as Premier appoints cabinet

Nov 07, 2024

Warm weather continues

Warmer-than-normal weather continues through the weekend

Nov 07, 2024

According to the SHA, the messages will have the short code 89364 for text messages or will be from 306-655-4603 for voice 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,” the SHA said in a release.

Anyone who gets a message saying they tested positive will get a phone call from Public Health or a community health nurse within 24 to 48 hours of receiving the message. The person then will be given information about self-isolation, masking and contact tracing.

—