(Yellowknife, January 10, 2022) – The NTHSSA is asking residents to help us address COVID testing needs by reducing the number of no-show testing appointments. 

As a result of the ongoing outbreak in the Yellowknife region, testing needs have increased.  However, as many as 30% of people are not showing up for booked appointments even after an email reminder sent to all booked clients. The NTHSSA is asking all persons who are seeking COVID testing to keep in mind the following: 

• Booking an appointment online in advance helps us maintain speed and quality of service. While we account for walk-in appointments during a portion of the day, recent case numbers have impacted the walk-in capacity and are leading to longer waits for booked appointments, for those who need to schedule their visit on specific dates or times. 
• All people who come for a booked appointment at the Yellowknife testing centre will be assessed to see if home testing is appropriate. These people will be given a home testing kit and instructions.  In-person testing will be reserved for people where home testing is not appropriate.
• If you cannot attend the booked appointment, or were tested as a walk-in, or no longer need the appointment for any reason, please cancel your booked appointment.  
• Your booking confirmation email and the reminder email both contain a quick, easy link to cancel the appointment. You do not need to email or call NTHSSA, simply click the ‘Cancel this appointment’ link in your confirmation email. 
• If you will need testing as part of your isolation requirements, please book those appointments as soon as you can confirm the dates you will need testing – this information will be in the self-isolation plan provided by ProtectNWT. 
• If you are unable to book an appointment online for the date you need, please book the next closest available appointment or access the walk-in testing Monday to Friday, from 9-11 am and continue to check the booking site as appointments open up due to cancellations or rebookings.  

Like many other aspects of the COVID pandemic, we have a collective responsibility as a community to manage resources to ensure necessary services are accessible to those who need them. By using your booked appointment slot or confirming the cancellation of an unneeded appointment, you help us continue to provide best care to all.  

COVID testing and vaccination appointments in Yellowknife can continue to be booked through the online platform at NTHSSAbookings.simplybook.me or by calling the local health centre for testing in all other NWT communities. Please visit www.nthssa.ca/covid-testing for more information of COVID testing in the NWT.