Walk-in PCR COVID-19 testing available across HRM

Starting this week, some of Nova Scotia Health's primary assessment centres and mobile testing units will be offering PCR COVID-19 testing to walk-in appointments.

Beginning June 28, the following locations in the Halifax Regional Municipality will offer PCR COVID-19 testing for walk-in appointments:

• Mayflower Curling Club (3000 Monaghan Drive, Halifax) from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
• Pavilion 20 (1159 Marginal Road, Halifax) from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
• Halifax North Memorial Library (2285 Gottingen Street) on June 28 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Tantallon Public Library (3646 Hammonds Plains Road, Upper Tantallon) on June 28 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Fisherman’s Cove (4 Government Wharf Road, Eastern Passage) on June 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The listed times are only for walk-in appointments and don't reflect the schedule for booked appointments.

People can book an appointment at a primary assessment centre by conducting a self-assessment online.

“Testing is open to anyone and may be particularly convenient for out-of-province visitors just arriving to Nova Scotia,” a news release says.

“Testing is for all ages, for those who have symptoms, no symptoms (asymptomatic), have travelled or been to a potential exposure site and have been a close contact of a positive COVID case.”

At these locations, rapid tests will not be offered — just PCR COVID-19 tests.

People who get these tests will have to wait between 24 and 72 hours after testing for results. However, PCR tests are more accurate in detecting COVID-19 and avoiding false negatives than rapid tests.

Swish and gargle testing is also available for children and youth between ages four and 18.

For those living or travelling outside of the HRM, the following locations will also offer walk-in testing:

Eastern Zone

• Grand Lake Road Fire Hall (850 Grand Lake Road, Sydney) on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Also on Tuesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Open Hearth Park (190 Ferry Street, Sydney) on June 28 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Membertou Entertainment Centre at its Main Entrance (11 Chief Ben Christmas Awti’j) on June 28 and June 29 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Whitney Pier Legion Branch 128 (836 Victoria Road, Sydney) on June 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Antigonish Market Square (149 Church Street, Unit 686) on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Also on Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre (606 Reeves Street) on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Also on Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
• Savoy Theatre primary assessment centre (116 Commercial Street, Glace Bay) on Thursdays and Fridays every week (except July 1) from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Northern Zone

• Amherst Stadium (185 Church Street) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
• Colchester Legion Stadium (14 Lorne Street, Truro) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
• Pictou County Assessment Centre (678 East River Road, New Glasgow) only on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Western Zone