Public Health adds additional COVID-19 testing capacity in Central Zone

In response to the recent increase of potential COVID-19 public exposure locations in the Central Zone and the resulting heightened demand for testing, Public Health’s mobile health units will be in Lake Echo and Dartmouth this week to offer additional testing in the areas most affected.

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.

The Public Health mobile health units will be available for drop-in and pre-booked appointments at the following locations:

Saint Vincent de Paul Church (320 Flying Cloud Dr., Dartmouth)

Thursday, April 22 – Saturday, April 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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Lake Echo Fellowship Baptist Church (17 Peter Ct., Mineville)

Thursday, April 22 – Saturday, April 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Community members are encouraged to pre-book their testing appointments for the mobile unit by completing the self-assessment tool 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 you pre-book your appointment online

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Important notes when visiting the mobile unit:

·​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Unless you have symptoms, you do not need to self-isolate while you wait for results.

·​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Testing method is standard PCR swab or Swish & Gargle for children and youth 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.

·​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Testing is free.

·​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 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.

Public Health has also added additional testing capacity the Primary Assessment Centres in Central Zone to make it easier for more people to get tested. You can book your appointment by completing a self-assessment form online (http://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en) or by calling 811.

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 ​

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