New Brunswick’s top doctor is asking residents to only request a COVID-19 test if they are experiencing symptoms or are a contact of a case.
Public Health said it is experiencing “longer-than-anticipated” wait times for appointments and test results due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.
Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health, said testing is conducted on a priority basis, and those who have symptoms are at the top of the list.
“So if you do not have symptoms or are not identified as a contact of a case, please self-monitor and only request a test if you are symptomatic,” Russell said in a news release Monday.
Russell added that due to the high volume of tests for health needs, the province is unable to expedite travel-related tests.
Those needing a travel-related test are asked to review the testing requirements in other jurisdictions and plan accordingly, “which could include seeking testing through private service providers.”