Masking

·         Masking is no longer required for clients, patients, residents, visitors/support persons upon entry and inside health-care facilities, pending they meet the self-screening requirements. Individuals who are symptomatic (i.e. experiencing any one or more symptoms of COVID-19 or respiratory symptoms) are required to wear a mask upon entry and while inside the health-care facility. Please note that visitors/support persons who are feeling unwell or sick should not visit patients/residents or accompany others to appointments.

·         Masks continue to be available at health-care facilities across the province. Individuals who would like to continue to wear a mask are encouraged to do so.

·         Individuals can wear their own medical mask or a mask provided at the health-care facility. 

·         Visitors/support persons who meet the screening requirements are also asked to consider the safety of those you are visiting. It can be especially important to wear a mask if you are around others who are at risk of more severe disease and outcomes, including those with chronic conditions, compromised immune systems and older adults.

Visitation and screening

·         Visitors/support persons are directed to not visit a health-care facility if they are experiencing COVID-19, flu-like or gastrointestinal symptoms.

·         Visitors/support persons are directed to follow signage at health-care facilities and must meet the self-screening requirements before proceeding inside of the health-care facility. In addition, visitors/support persons can complete self-screening prior to arrival at the facility by visiting the screening webpage.

 

COVID-19 Vaccines

Western Health’s vaccine clinics provide both flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines, including the bivalent booster. Residents may receive both vaccines safely at the same time.

Appointments are required. 

Individuals are eligible to receive their COVID booster 20 weeks from their last vaccine dose or 3 months from COVID-19 infection. 

The Bivalent Vaccine is currently available for the following individuals:

-Aged 18 and over
-Aged 12 years to 18 years who have an underlying medical condition that places them at high risk of severe COVID-19 disease.

Individuals who are older than five, but not yet 18 can still receive a booster dose, however, they will be given the original vaccine.

Online booking is only available for vaccine appointments in:

  • Corner Brook (Now Western Memorial Regional Hospital, fifth floor)

If you wish to book an appointment at one of these sites, please book online here. Those unable to book online can schedule an appointment by calling 1-833-703-5470 toll free.

For all other areas in the region, please call your local Public Health office to book an appointment for a flu shot.

Individuals who are homebound and not able to visit a vaccine clinic/physician office can call 1-833-703-5470 to coordinate a home visit.

Individuals who are at least six months of age, but not yet five are still able to receive a primary series of COVID vaccine, however they are not eligible for boosters at this time. COVID Vaccine appointments for children under five will not be offered at vaccine clinics.  Please contact your local public health office to coordinate an appointment time.

Western Health reminds the public to arrive for their appointment no earlier than ten minutes in advance, to bring their MCP card and to wear a short-sleeved shirt. Further instructions will be provided on site.

Residents may also receive their shots through their family physician or local pharmacy. Physicians can administer the vaccine to everyone, regardless of age, while pharmacists can administer the vaccine to people five years of age and older.

Public Health Offices offering COVID-19 vaccines can be found here.

 COVID-19 Testing

Public Health COVID-19 testing has concluded. Individuals are no longer able to request a COVID test using the online COVID-19 Assessment and Test Reporting Tool. 

Rapid antigen COVID tests are now available to the public through delivery by Canada Post, at public libraries and MHA offices. If you are at higher risk of severe disease, you should use a rapid antigen test. If positive, you may be eligible for early treatment. Contact your primary care provider (family physician or nurse practitioner) or your pharmacist to discuss if treatment is appropriate for you.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 stay at home until your symptoms have improved and you haven’t had a fever for at least 24 hours. It is recommended to use a rapid antigen test if you have them on hand. If the first test is negative, and you continue to have symptoms, do another test 48 hours later. To keep those around you safe, when you are feeling better and leave home, for 10 days after your symptoms, you should wear a mask outside you are household, avoid non-essential visits to high-risk areas, and avoid non-essential close contact with high-risk individuals.