Mobile COVID testing unit heading to Dartmouth Thursday

NEWS RELEASE
NOVA SCOTIA HEALTH
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Public Health’s Mobile Units will offer community-based testing this coming week in various locations across Nova Scotia.

In an effort to keep COVID-19 under control in Nova Scotia, 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.

Testing people who show no symptoms of COVID-19 (asymptomatic) continues to be one of the main tools that has helped limit COVID-19 spread in Nova Scotia. However, Nova Scotians are reminded that even if you have mild symptoms like a sore throat, a runny/congested nose or headache, you should get tested for COVID-19.

The Public Health mobile units will be available for drop-in and pre-booked appointments at the following locations this week:

Thursday, April 8
Port Wallis United Church, 263 Waverley Rd, Dartmouth
10a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, April 10
Port Morien Legion, 2832 NS-255, Port Morien
11a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, April 11
Fortress Seniors Club, 11 Mitchell Street, Louisbourg
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Community members are encouraged to pre-book their testing appointments at the mobile units by completing the self-assessment online at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en. If you don’t have access to the internet, call 811.

*Drop-in testing is based on capacity. It is recommended that you pre-book your appointment.

Important notes when visiting the mobile unit:

• Unless you have symptoms, 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 and youth up to age 18. Preparation is required for gargle testing. View instructions.
• Please bring your health card with you, if you have one.
• You may have to wait in line outside; please dress accordingly.
• If, in the past 48 hours, you have had or are currently experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you can still get tested at the mobile unit, however, you must book your appointment so our team knows when to expect you.

Do not come to the mobile unit if you have:

• travelled outside of Atlantic Canada in the last 14 days
• been at a potential exposure site
• been identified by Public Health that you are a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19

Anyone in Nova Scotia can book an appointment at any of the 28 testing sites across the province by doing a self-assessment online (https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en) or by calling 811.

If, in the past 48 hours, you have had or are currently experiencing the following symptoms, visit https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en to do a self-assessment or call 811:

• fever or cough (new or worsening)

OR

• any of the following symptoms (new or worsening):
• sore throat
• runny nose
• headache
• shortness of breath

Currently, anyone travelling to Nova Scotia from outside of Atlantic Canada 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

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