PUBLIC SERVICE ADVISORY
COVID-19 community spread in Amherst area: residents encouraged to stay home when sick, get tested, and get vaccinated
Friday, November 5, 2021
There are signs of COVID-19 community spread in the Amherst and Cumberland County area as a result of the clusters in Nova Scotia Health’s Northern Zone. Public Health is asking you to follow these measures to protect your community and yourself from further spread of the virus:
1. Stay home if you’re sick.
If you or your family members have symptoms, keep them home. COVID-19 symptoms are:
· A new or worsening cough
OR two or more of the following:
· Fever (chills, sweats)
· Runny nose/nasal congestion
· Sore throat
· Headache
· Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing)
2. Get tested.
PCR Testing
If you have symptoms, get a PCR test, even if you are fully vaccinated. Stay isolated until you receive a negative test result. Visit https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en or call 811 to book an appointment at:
Amherst COVID-19 Testing Centre
34 Prince Arthur Street
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week
Appointments recommended, limited drop-ins available.
New Glasgow COVID-19 Testing Centre
678 East River Road, New Glasgow
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week
Truro COVID-19 Testing Centre (Rath Eastlink Community Centre, Seniors’ Clinic Entrance)
524 Abenaki Road, Truro
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week
Rapid Testing
If you don’t have symptoms and haven’t been exposed to COVID-19, you can access rapid testing at:
Maggie's Place
11 Elmwood Drive, Amherst
· Friday, November 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
· Saturday, November 6 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
· Sunday, November 7 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Test-to-protect take-home rapid testing (through public schools)
If you have children in school, use the test-to-protect take-home rapid tests, even if your child has only one symptom.
3. Get vaccinated and encourage loved ones to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
We encourage all eligible Nova Scotians to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible.
Drop in to:
· any NS Health drop-in COVID-19 vaccine clinic, listed at: https://www.nshealth.ca/drop-in-vaccine-clinics
· a Pharmacy Association of NS COVID-19 vaccine walk-in clinic, listed at https://pans.ns.ca/walk-covid-19-vaccine-clinics
Or book an appointment:
· online at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/book-your-vaccination-appointment/
· or call 1-833-797-7772.
Thank you for your help to protect your community by preventing further spread of COVID-19 in the Amherst and Cumberland County area!
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Provincial media line: 1-844-483-3344
About Nova Scotia Health
Nova Scotia Health provides health services to Nova Scotians and a wide array of specialized services to Maritimers and Atlantic Canadians. We operate hospitals, health centres and community-based programs across the province. Our team of health professionals includes employees, doctors, researchers, learners and volunteers. We also work in partnership with community groups, schools, governments, foundations and auxiliaries and community health boards. Visit nshealth.ca for more.