PSA: Public Health increasing COVID-19 testing capacity across the province to address areas of concern (May 14)

In response to an increase in COVID-19 public exposures and the resulting heightened need for testing, Nova Scotia Health is offering additional testing in some key areas of concern across the province over the next few days.

Some areas of the province are showing multiple cases with an unknown source, particularly in the Sydney area, Bridgewater area and in the Annapolis Valley from New Minas to Kentville. Increased testing will help Public Health determine where the virus is, as well as, if and how it is spreading. Testing has been increased in these areas over the next few days. More options will be added, as needed.

Whether you live in an identified area of concern or not, COVID-19 is in our communities and testing is strongly encouraged in all zones. Testing people who show no symptoms of COVID-19 (asymptomatic testing) continues to be one of the main tools that has helped limit COVID-19 spread in Nova Scotia. Getting a regular test and following public health guidelines will help efforts to contain the virus.

Western Zone

Acadia Festival Theatre

504 Main Street, Wolfville

NOTE: All COVID tests that were booked for the Acadia University Club, Westwood Blvd, from Saturday, May 15 to Monday, May 17 will now be done at the Acadia Festival Theatre, 504 Main Street.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week

Appointment only. Book at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en or call 811.

Berwick Fire Hall

300 Commercial Street, Berwick

Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week

Appointment only. Book at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en or call 811.

210 Aberdeen Road, Bridgewater

Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week

Appointment only. Book at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en or call 811.

Eastern Zone

Membertou Entertainment Centre

11 Chief Ben Christmas Awti’j, Membertou

Dates: Saturday, May 15 & Sunday, May 16 only

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 Drop-in AND by appointment. Book at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en or call 811.

 All ages, for those who have symptoms, no symptoms (asymptomatic), have travelled or been to a potential exposure site and have been a close contact of a positive COVID case.

Gargle tests are available for children and youth (ages 4 to 18). Preparation is required for gargle testing. View instructions at https://www.iwk.nshealth.ca/COVID-19/testing#gargle

Centre 200 – Rapid Testing pop-up site

481 George St., Sydney

Dates: Saturday May 15 & Sunday, May 16

Hours: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Drop-in only

For those who are 16+, asymptomatic (no symptoms), low potential exposure risk.

No gargle tests available

Grand Lake Road primary assessment centre

GLR Fire Hall, 850 Grand Lake Rd., Sydney

Hours: Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week (Closed this weekend. Reopens Monday, May 17.)

Drop-in AND by appointment. Book at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en or call 811.

All ages, for those who have symptoms, no symptoms (asymptomatic), have travelled or been to a potential exposure site and have been a close contact of a positive COVID case.

Gargle tests are available for children and youth (ages 4 to 18). Preparation is required for gargle testing. View instructions at https://www.iwk.nshealth.ca/COVID-19/testing#gargle

No rapid tests

Northern Zone

In response to a low-risk exposure notice in the community, a temporary location is opening in Parrsboro from May 19 to May 21.

South Cumberland Community Care Centre

50 Jenks Ave, Parrsboro

Dates: May 19, 20 & 21, 2021

Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

By appointment only. Appointments will be available to book on Mon., May 17. Book at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en.  Appointments cannot be made by calling South Cumberland Community Care Centre or Primary Health Care Clinic.

No walk-in service.

All ages, for those who have symptoms, no symptoms (asymptomatic), have travelled or been to a potential exposure site and have been a close contact of a positive COVID case.

Gargle tests are available for children and youth (ages 4 to 18). Preparation is required for gargle testing. View instructions at https://www.iwk.nshealth.ca/COVID-19/testing#gargle

Testing opportunities will be added, as needed, so continue to check for availability.

For more information on testing, or to book a test, visit here.

All Nova Scotians are advised to continue monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms and are urged to follow Public Health guidelines. Up to date information about COVID-19 is available at novascotia.ca/coronavirus. 

In addition to media releases, all potential exposure notifications are listed here: http://www.nshealth.ca/covid-exposures

Source: Release #notw

Missing: Corey Halliday

86 new COVID-19 cases (May 15 2021)