In response to the recently announced case of the UK variant of COVID-19 in New Minas and a few positive cases in the Sackville area, where the source of infection is unknown, Public Health is increasing its testing capacity in these locations to provide more opportunities for the community to get tested. Asymptomatic testing (testing people who show no symptoms of COVID-19) continues to be one of the tools that has helped limit the spread of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia. Testing is prevention.
As the UK variant is showing to be more contagious, it is important for Public Health to know where and how the new variant is spreading.

Public Health is encouraging everyone who lives in, or has travelled to, the communities between Wolfville and Berwick, and surrounding communities to get tested. The Public Health Mobile Unit will be in New Minas and Canning for the next four days to provide an opportunity for community-based testing.   The Public Health Mobile Unit will be available for drop-in and pre-booked appointments at the following locations:

• New Minas Fire Department (6 Jones Rd., New Minas) Thursday, Feb. 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Canning Multi Complex (977 J Jordan Rd., Canning) Saturday, Feb. 27 and Sunday, Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

*Drop-in testing is based on capacity. It is recommended that you book your appointment online by visiting the self-assessment tool: https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en or call 811. The Public Health Mobile Unit will also be setting up at the Sackville Heights Community Centre (45 Connolly Rd., Middle Sackville) starting tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (drop-in testing only). Further dates and times to be announced. Important notes when visiting the Public Health Mobile Unit:

• You do not need to self-isolate while you wait for your results.
• The testing method is standard PCR swab or Swish and Gargle for children up to age 18. Preparation is required for gargle testing. View instructions.
• Please bring your health card if you have one.
• You may have to wait in line outside; please dress accordingly.

If, in the past 48 hours you have had or are currently experiencing the following symptoms, you can still get tested at the Public Health Mobile Unit in New Minas and Canning, however, you must book your appointment so our team knows when to expect you. Nova Scotia Health has added additional testing capacity at the Primary Assessment Centres (PACs) in Berwick and Wolfville to make it easier for more people in these communities to get tested. Please visit http://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirus for more details on these locations.

• Berwick Fire Hall (300 Commercial St., Berwick) will be available for walk-in testing Thursday to Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. this week.
• Acadia University Club (17 Westwood Ave., Wolfville) daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. has increased the number available appointments.

Anyone in Nova Scotia can book an appointment at any of the testing sites across the province by doing a self-assessment online (https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en) or by calling 811.