**** NSHA Media Release
Changes in Public Health follow-up for people 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 and shelters, Public Health will not be providing follow-up to some people who tested positive for COVID-19.
Anyone who was tested for COVID-19 between January 5 and January 8, will not receive further follow-up 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 who tests positive for COVID-19 by PCR, 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, 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.
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Nova Scotians who test positive asked to complete the online COVID-19 Report and Support form
Beginning today, January 15, Nova Scotians will be asked to complete the online COVID-19 Report and Support screening form when booking their PCR test or reporting a positive rapid antigen test: https://c19hc.nshealth.ca/self-report
The form will collect information to help quickly identify people who are eligible for and may benefit from COVID-19 medications and treatments to reduce the risk of severe disease and hospitalization. It will also be used to identify people who may need additional support from Public Health.
When Nova Scotians book a PCR test or report a positive rapid antigen test, they will be prompted to complete the COVID-19 Report and Support online screening form.
The information will be shared with Public Health, the Infectious Diseases COVID-19 care team, and the COVID-19 Community Virtual Care Team to support management and follow-up of priority cases. For those who complete the form before PCR testing and test negative, their information will not be used further, and will be deleted.
More information on this new tool can be found at https://www.nshealth.ca/testedpositiveforcovid
