**** NSHA Media Release
Public Health Mobile Units begin proactve testing in rural communities
Public Health’s Mobile Units will be offering community-based testing this week to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia. Going to communities where there are currently no active cases or potential exposures gives Public Health a way to detect new cases before the virus moves into the community. Public Health’s Mobile Units are able to provide easier access to testing for rural and remote communities or those communities experiencing barriers related to testing elsewhere.
Public Health is encouraging anyone who is not experiencing any symptoms to drop in and get tested. Testing is available for all ages.
Public Health’s Mobile Units will be in Masstown this week for drop-in testing on Thursday, Jan. 28 at The Peg (10675 Hwy 2, Masstown) from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
You may get tested at the Mobile Health Units if you:
- have no symptoms
- are not a close contact of a person with COVID-19, and
- are not isolating because of travel outside of Nova Scotia, P.E.I. or Newfoundland and Labrador
Important notes:
- You do not need to self-isolate while you wait for your results.
- The testing method is standard PCR swab or Swish and Gargle for children up to age 18. Preparation is required for gargle testing (http://www.iwk.nshealth.ca/COVID-19/testing#gargle)
- Please bring your health card, if you have one.
- You may have to wait in line outside; please dress accordingly.
- Please do not come to the drop-in site if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Instead, please book an appointment online by visiting: http://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en
A reminder to Nova Scotians that there are 28 regular COVID-19 testing sites across the province. To find one closest to you visit: http://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting. Residents can book an appointment at any testing site across the province.
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:
- fever or cough (new or worsening)
OR
- two or more 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, P.E.I. or Newfoundland and Labrador 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
