The Department of Health and Community Services has received inquiries from rotational workers over the past week regarding the cost of COVID-19 testing. Workers are reminded that testing is free and is covered under MCP.

As announced on Wednesday, September 9 rotational workers from Newfoundland and Labrador who work outside Atlantic Canada in another Canadian province or territory, can call 811 when they arrive home and arrange for COVID-19 testing as early as day five of their 14-day self-isolation period.

Once you call 811, you will be given a telephone number to book an appointment through your regional health authority. You can call to book a testing appointment seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Once an asymptomatic rotational worker has completed seven days of self-isolation and has received a negative test result for COVID-19, they will no longer be required to self-isolate. These individuals will be required to avoid large crowds and mass gatherings. They will be required to wear a non-medical mask when interacting with other people outside their household bubble.

Rotational workers from Newfoundland and Labrador returning to the province who work outside Atlantic Canada in another Canadian province or territory, who do not want to have a COVID-19 test, will still be required to complete the 14 day self-isolation period.

The public are reminded that these self-isolation and testing guidelines do not apply to international rotational workers because the Government of Canada’s quarantine order is in effect and requires anyone returning to Canada to self-isolate for 14 days.

The guidance document for rotational workers is available here.

The Special Measures Order is available here.

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Media contact
Kathy Dicks-Peyton
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-1982
kathydickspeyton@gov.nl.ca