Changes in Public Health follow-up for individuals who test positive for COVID-19

Due to high case numbers driven by the Omicron variant, Public Health continues to experience delays in follow-up with Nova Scotians who have tested positive for COVID-19. To focus on supporting detailed follow-ups in priority settings such as, long-term care, group homes, assisted living facilities, health care facilities, and shelters, Public Health will not be providing follow-up to some individuals who tested positive for COVID-19.​

Anyone who was tested for COVID-19 between December 15 and December 21, will not receive a follow-up call from Public Health.​ The notification they received confirming their result will be their only contact with Public Health.​ Individuals are asked to continue to follow all guidance provided by Public Health and are encouraged to visit https://www.nshealth.ca/testedpositiveforcovid for more information.​ If your symptoms get worse, seek medical help by calling 811 or 911.​ ​

To reduce delays in contacting individuals, most people will now receive their COVID-19 positive test results through an automated email. Anyone tested on December 21 and beyond who are positive for COVID-19, can expect the following:​

1.) An email from Public Health.​

People with a valid Nova Scotia health card (MSI) will receive an email to confirm they have tested positive and additional instructions from Public Health.

2.) A text message from Public Health.​

People with a cell phone will receive a text notification to confirm they have tested positive.​

3.) A call from Public Health.

Public Health will phone you to collect and provide further information and support.

Long-term care, group homes, assisted living facilities, health care facilities, and shelters, who had tests during this time and have not heard from Public Health should follow their regular processes for notification to Public Health.​