Asymptomatic testing - Available until Dec 18th

Starting Tuesday, December 8, all people in the province who have no symptoms of COVID-19 will be able to make an appointment for a screening test. Screening is especially recommended for people who have multiple social interactions at gatherings or many social contacts.

The asymptomatic screening test is offered to people who:

have no symptoms;

·         have not travelled outside of Atlantic Canada in the past 14 days;

·         have not visited a location where there has been a possible exposure to the virus;

·         have not been in contact with someone who has a confirmed case.

An appointment is required and can be set online at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en by choosing the option for people who have no symptoms. Appointments can be set until December 18.

In addition, temporary clinics will continue to be established in various locations across the province. Because these clinics use rapid screening tests, they can only accommodate people 16 years of age or older.

People who get tested as part of this process do not have to isolate themselves while they wait for test results. People who get tested for other reasons can find the 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 the person is not able to transmit the COVID-19 virus at the time of the test, but that does not mean that the person could not become contagious during the test. of the following days. People who test negative should still adhere to public health measures, and if symptoms develop, they should immediately self-isolate and complete the COVID-19 self-assessment.

The number of tests that can be done depends on whether you need to prioritize people who are showing symptoms and who have had close contact with someone with a confirmed case. 

Everyone is reminded to maintain a close social group and to respect public health guidelines: wear a mask, respect social distancing, wash your hands often and, if you have symptoms, stay home and take the self-assessment for COVID-19.