**** NSHA Media Release
Potential exposure to COVID-19 at two locations in Central Zone, Public Health Mobile Unit offering COVID-19 testing in Mount Uniacke
Nova Scotia Health Public Health is advising of potential exposure to COVID-19 in the Central Zone.
Anyone who worked at or visited the following locations on the specified dates and times should immediately visit covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ to book a COVID-19 test, regardless of whether or not they have COVID-19 symptoms. You can also call 811 if you don’t have online access or if you have other symptoms that concern you.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 you are required to self-isolate while you wait for your test result. If you do not have any symptoms of COVID-19 you do not need to self-isolate while you wait for your test result.
· Superstore Porters Lake (5240 Highway #7, Porters Lake) on March 12 between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. It is anticipated that anyone exposed to the virus at this location on the named date may develop symptoms up to, and including, March 26.
Regardless of whether or not you have COVID-19 symptoms, those present at the following location on the named dates and times are required to self-isolate while waiting for their test result. If you get a negative result, you do not need to keep self-isolating. If you get a positive result, you will be contacted by Public Health about what to do next.
· Mount Uniacke Pub and Eatery (125 Highway 1, Mount Uniacke) on March 13 between 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. It is anticipated that anyone exposed to the virus at this location on the named date may develop symptoms up to, and including, March 27.
· *Reminder* Mount Uniacke Pub and Eatery (125 Highway 1, Mount Uniacke) on March 12 between 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. It is anticipated that anyone exposed to the virus at this location on the named date may develop symptoms up to, and including, March 26.
As a result of recent potential exposures in the Mount Uniacke area, Public Health’s Mobile Unit will be offering community-based COVID-19 testing in Mount Uniacke.
The Public Health Mobile Unit will be available for drop-in and pre-booked appointments at the following location:
Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 165 (18 Veterans Lane, Mount Uniacke)
· Friday, March 19 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
· Saturday, March 20 and Sunday, March 21 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Community members are encouraged to pre-book their testing appointments at the Mobile Unit by completing the self-assessment online at http://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting. If you don’t have access to the internet, call 811. Drop-in testing is based on capacity. It is recommended that you pre-book your appointment online.
Important notes when visiting the Mobile Unit:
· If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or if Public Health asked you to self-isolate, you need to self-isolate while you wait for your test result. Otherwise, you do not need to self-isolate while you wait for your test result.
· 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 with you, 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 symptoms of COVID-19, you can still get tested at the Mobile Unit, however, you must book your appointment so our team knows when to expect you.
Do not come to the Mobile Unit if you have:
- travelled outside of NS and PEI in the last 14 days
- been identified by Public Health that you are a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19
Anyone in Nova Scotia can book an appointment at any of the 28 testing sites across the province by doing a self-assessment online (http://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en) or by calling 811.
If, in the past 48 hours, you have had or are currently experiencing the following symptoms, visit http://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en to do a self-assessment or call 811:
- fever or cough (new or worsening)
OR
- any of the following symptoms (new or worsening):
- sore throat
- runny nose
- headache
- shortness of breath
Currently, anyone travelling to Nova Scotia from outside of Nova Scotia or PEI is expected to self-isolate for 14 days after arriving.
All Nova Scotians are advised to continue monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms and are urged to follow Public Health guidelines on how to access care. Up to date information about COVID-19 is available at novascotia.ca/coronavirus
