Public Health backlog in COVID-19 case and contact management; working on getting more vaccine appointments

The rapid increase of COVID-19 cases in the region is causing a backlog in Hastings and Prince Edward Public Health’s case and contact management process.

As a result, there will be a delay in contacting individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and their high-risk contacts. The delay may be more than 48 hours.

HPEPH is also working closely with community partners to increase appointment availability for shots and boosters and will provide updates as new appointments become available.

Public Health states people who test positive for COVID-19 must self-isolate and immediately notify high-risk contacts of your positive COVID-19 status. A high-risk contact, also known as a close contact, is someone who has been in close contact during the contagious period (48 hours prior to symptom onset/positive test result, and up to 10 days after symptom onset).

People contacted by someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 are to get tested immediately, even if they do not have any symptoms or are fully vaccinated. Do not wait for HPEPH to make contact. While waiting for test results people must self-isolate. Check for your test results online. Due to an increase in cases, tests results can take several days.