**** NSHA Media Release

NSHA has opened initial COVID-19 assessment centres across the province

Nova Scotia Health Authority has opened COVID-19 assessment centres across the province. These assessment centres will further support efforts to identify and contain COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Nova Scotia where, to date, no cases have been confirmed.

The dedicated assessment centres are intended to help lessen current pressures in emergency departments, while also decreasing the possibility of transmission among the public.

“We expedited opening these COVID-19 assessment centres to respond to increased assessment demand as a result of the change in national screening protocols,” said Dr. Todd Hatchette, Chief of Microbiology, Nova Scotia Health Authority.

The change in national screening protocols means that anyone who has travelled outside Canada may have come in contact with the novel coronavirus and should closely monitor their health for 14 days after returning to the country. Travellers who start to feel unwell should stay at home/self-isolate from the public.

Nova Scotians who have travelled out of country and who develop a fever with a temperature of 38°C or higher, and/or cough, should call 811.

811 will provide direction on what to do next. If there is a need for in-person assessment, 811 will refer to a COVID-19 assessment centre.

Please do not go to a COVID-19 assessment centre without having been referred by 811. We are working to be able to book specific appointment times in the coming days.

Those directed to an assessment centre by 811 will then have a physical assessment on site and based on that a swab will be taken for patients for whom it is appropriate.

In the event a person requires more urgent care, 811 will provide advice on accessing emergency departments.

“We want Nova Scotians to be able to access the right care, in the right setting, at the right times,” said Dr. Hatchette. ““The resources of our health system are already strained by the seasonal flu and other demands. These COVID-19 assessment centres are another measure that will focus our work on testing those who most require it and to also help lessen the pressure on the rest of our system. We ask for the public’s patience and cooperation as we respond to this quickly evolving situation.”

NSHA will continue to monitor this evolving situation and will respond in step with Department of Health and Wellness and other health system partners.

The initial locations are at: