**** NSHA Media Release
Testing encouraged after low weekend turnout
Public Health is encouraging Nova Scotians to get out and get tested after a significant number of appointments at primary assessment centres remained unfilled across the province during the past few days. Getting tested regularly is quick and easy and one of the ways to live safely with COVID-19 and protect your community.
There continues to be community spread in Central Zone and Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM). Community spread continues in certain areas in Sydney due to multiple cases with an unknown source. Most of the cases involve people between the ages of 20 and 30. As a result, new testing sites are being introduced within Eastern Zone and some existing sites are updating their hours.
Northern and Western Zones continue to be closely monitored for community spread.
To book an appointment, visit http://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en or call 811.
In addition to booking an appointment, Nova Scotians are able to get tested at a rapid testing location.
Locations change frequently, so continue to check the Nova Scotia Health Coronavirus testing website and social media for the latest information. It’s important to note that a negative result on the rapid test is not a guarantee. You could still develop or be exposed to COVID-19 in the coming days. As such, it’s important to continue to protect yourself and others by continuing to wear a mask, washing your hands, maintaining social/physical distance and sticking to a small social bubble.
Here is information on some changes to testing locations across the province:
Eastern Zone
Savoy Theatre primary assessment centre – New location
116 Commercial St., Glace Bay
- 12 p.m. – 7 p.m., Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m, Thursday and 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Friday
- Drop-in only
- Gargle tests are available for children and youth. Preparation is required. View instructions at http://www.iwk.nshealth.ca/COVID-19/testing#gargle
- No rapid tests
Grand Lake Road Fire Hall – New hours
850 Grand Lake Rd., Sydney
- 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., seven days a week
- Drop-in and by appointment
- Gargle tests are available for children and youth. Preparation is required. View instructions at http://www.iwk.nshealth.ca/COVID-19/testing#gargle
Northside General Hospital – New hours
520 Purves Street, North Sydney
- 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday to Friday
- Appointment only
- Gargle tests are available for children and youth. Preparation is required. View instructions at http://www.iwk.nshealth.ca/COVID-19/testing#gargle
- No rapid tests
Centre 200 – Rapid testing pop-up site
481 George St., Sydney
- 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday & Sunday
- Drop-in only
- For those who are 16+, asymptomatic (no symptoms), low potential exposure risk.
- No gargle tests available
Antigonish Market Square – New hours
149 Church St., Antigonish
- 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Tuesday & Thursday
- Appointment only.
- Gargle tests are available for children and youth. Preparation is required. View instructions at http://www.iwk.nshealth.ca/COVID-19/testing#gargle
- No rapid tests
Testing will be available in New Waterford in the coming weeks. Details will be shared once confirmed.
Northern Zone
South Cumberland Community Care Centre
50 Jenks Ave, Parrsboro
- Every second Wednesday, starting June 2 until August 25
- 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- By appointment only. Book online or call 811. Appointments cannot be made by calling South Cumberland Community Care Centre or Primary Health Care Clinic.
- Gargle tests are available for children and youth. Preparation is required. View instructions at http://www.iwk.nshealth.ca/COVID-19/testing#gargle
Central Zone
Zatzman Sportsplex testing site in Dartmouth closes today. Please check online for other Dartmouth area testing locations. http://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting
Western Zone
Yarmouth Visitor Information Centre site closes today.
The Mariners Centre
228 Main Street, Yarmouth
- Opens tomorrow, May 26
- 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. seven days a week
Please note:
- Testing opportunities will be added, as needed, so continue to check for availability.
- For locations that require an appointment, please book online at http://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en. If you don’t have access to the internet, call 811.
- Swish and Gargle is available at primary assessment centres for children and youth. Preparation is required for gargle testing. View instructions at http://www.iwk.nshealth.ca/COVID-19/testing#gargle
- 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.
