Province extends asymptomatic testing for all Nova Scotians

Nova Scotia Health and Wellness advises people that the deadline to book an appointment for asymptomatic testing has been extended.

Nova Scotians with no COVID-19 symptoms have until Friday, Dec. 18 to book an appointment.

People in the Central Zone can still get asymptomatic testing at Dartmouth's Zatzman Sportsplex.

Anyone in the other zones must book an appointment at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ and choose the asymptomatic option.

Pop-up sites will also continue in different locations across Nova Scotia. Since these sites use rapid tests, people must be over 16-years-old.

Asymptomatic testing is available for people who:

• Do not have symptoms
• Have not travelled outside the Atlantic provinces within the past 14 days
• Have not visited a potential exposure location
• Have not been in contact with someone who has tested positive

It is not required for anyone getting tested for COVID-19 through this process to self-isolate while waiting for their test or results. People getting tested for other reasons can find their self-isolation requirements at http://www.nshealth.ca/what-do-i-need-know-about-covid-19-testing-and-self-isolation.

“A negative test result is a good indication that a person is not able to spread the COVID-19 virus at the time of testing but it does not mean that they could not become infectious in the next few days,” says a news release. “People who receive a negative test result must continue to follow public health measures and if they develop symptoms, immediately self-isolate and complete the COVID-19 self-assessment.

“The number of tests that can be done is based on the need to prioritize testing of people who have symptoms and close contacts of known cases. Not everyone who comes forward for an asymptomatic test will necessarily get one.”

People are reminded to keep their social circles small and to follow public health measures including wearing a mask, physical distancing, practising good hygiene and staying home and completing the COVID-19 self-assessment if they have symptoms.

More information about COVID-19 testing and pop-up locations is available at http://www.nshealth.ca/content/covid-19-testing. Anyone with symptoms should visit https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ to do a self-assessment and book a test if recommended. Only call 811 if you cannot do the self-assessment online.

Additional Resources:

• Government of Canada: https://canada.ca/coronavirus
• Government of Canada information line 1-833-784-4397 (toll-free)
• The Mental Health Provincial Crisis Line is available 24/7 to anyone experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, or someone concerned about them, by calling 1-888-429-8167 (toll-free)
• Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free)
• For help or information about domestic violence 24/7, call 1-855-225-0220 (toll-free)
• For more information about COVID-19 testing and online booking, visit https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/symptoms-and-testing/
• The COVID-19 self-assessment is at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/