Public Health offering PCR COVID-19 testing in west end Halifax

Public Health will be offering PCR COVID-19 testing this week in west end Halifax.

On Tuesday, Nov. 23, Public Health will set up a Mobile Unit at St. Andrew's Community Centre at 3380 Barnstead Ln. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

COVID-19 testing is free and available to people of all ages, and the PCR swish and gargle method is available for people between the ages of 4 and 18.

Rapid antigen take-home tests will also be available for pick up.

Public Health will also set up Mobile Units in the province's Northern Zone this week at the following locations:

• Tatamagouche Fire Hall at 202 Main St. on Monday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Parrsboro Fire Hall at 252 Willow St. on Wednesday, Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

People can schedule appointments or drop in at any of the locations except for the Parrsboro Fire Hall which is only accepting drop-ins. Drop-ins are based on availability.

COVID-19 tests can be booked on the province's online tool or by calling 811.

When going for COVID-19 tests, Public Health reminds people to bring their ID and health card if they have one.

Testing is available for people who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, people who are asymptomatic, those who've been to a potential exposure site and anyone who has been in close contact of a positive case.

“Unless you have symptoms, you do not need to self-isolate while you wait for your results, unless directly advised by Public Health to isolate,” Public Health says in a news release.

Other COVID-19 testing locations around the province can be found on the Nova Scotia Health website.