COCHRANE— Alberta Health Services has announced a quicker way for individuals to receive their negative COVID-19 test results.
Beginning Wednesday (April 15) Albertans will now be able to access results over the phone through an autodialer system. This initiative allows efforts to be focused on those who test positive for COVID-19. It also shortens the turnaround time, letting Albertans know their results sooner.
The method was first tried from April 2 to April 12 in the Calgary Zone. The autodialer system was accessed by 6,685 residents who consented to be informed of their test results using the autodialer system. Of those cases, 95 per cent were successfully reached. The unsuccessful calls were redialed later in the day or followed up by Health Link to ensure everyone received their results.
All those referred to testing in any setting in Alberta will be given the option to consent to the autodialer system to receive negative COVID-19 results. Those who test positive will be contacted by a member of AHS to determine follow up and case management.
Albertans who receive negative test results are encouraged to visit ahs.ca/results on methods to continue to keep themselves and their families safe.
Testing is now available to anyone showing COVID-19 symptoms. If you are experiencing cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat visit ahs.ca/covid.
