SYDNEY, N.S. — There have been 60 pop-up rapid testing sites set up in Nova Scotia since they began in late November, which to date have identified 11 positive cases of COVID-19.
“All positives have been identified in the central zone,” said Marla MacInnis, a spokesperson for Nova Scotia Health and Wellness, in an email response to questions. “All tests in Cape Breton to date have been negative.”
Pop-up rapid testing has been used in almost all regions of the province.
MacInnis said just over 15,000 rapid tests have been conducted so far, including around 1,267 in Cape Breton.
“We have been very pleased with how well attended they have been,” she said.
Most recently in Cape Breton, a community testing site held at St. Theresa’s Church hall in Sydney on Wednesday saw 143 people tested and another 167 at the Canada Games Complex at Cape Breton University on Thursday.
RAPID TESTS
Rapid COVID-19 tests at the pop-ups are available to those who are 16-years-old or older, asymptomatic and have not attended potential exposure locations during the time-period outlined by public health. Rapid tests do have limitations so anyone who tests positive is referred for a standard lab test and directed to self-isolate while awaiting their results.
Nova Scotia residents can monitor for dates of upcoming clinics as they are organized at nshealth.ca/coronavirus and by clicking on the COVID-19 testing link.
MacInnis said Nova Scotia’s testing strategy involves a mix of testing options and rapid tests are only one tool in their toolbox to help detect cases of COVID-19 and help prevent transmission to others.
Nova Scotians are reminded that any test is only a reflection of a person’s health the day it was done.
“That’s why even with a negative test result, everyone needs to continue to follow all the public health measures to prevent spreading the virus,” MacInnis added.
The community testing sites are organized and conducted by Praxes Medical Group in Halifax. Richard MacDonald, Praxes project manager, said if someone tests positive during the rapid testing the person will be called immediately to come back in for a second swab, which will be sent to the lab for a PCR test.
The person will then be asked to isolate until the test results come back from the lab.
MacDonald said the numbers responding for rapid testing in the Sydney area have been good but it’s not just about the numbers but educating people about coronavirus and to continue following the Public Health directives.
ONE NEW CASE IN EASTERN ZONE
On Friday, the province announced one new case of COVID-19 in the eastern zone. The case is related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada and the person is self-isolating as required.
As of Friday, Nova Scotia has nine active cases of COVID-19. A total of 1,588 COVID-19 tests were completed by the Nova Scotia Health Authority's lab tests on Thursday.
As of Thursday, 14,589 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 2,714 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.
In a press release from the province, post-secondary students returning to Nova Scotia from anywhere except Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador are strongly encouraged to visit https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ to book a COVID-19 test for day six, seven or eight of their 14-day self-isolation period. COVID-19 testing appointments can be booked up to three days in advance.
Visit https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ to do a self-assessment if in the past 48 hours you have had or you are currently experiencing: fever (i.e. chills/sweats) or cough (new or worsening).
Sharon-Montgomery-Dupe is a breaking news and health reporter at the Cape Breton Post.
