Nova Scotia Health working with community partners to meet demand for rapid tests

Nova Scotia Health is aware of an increased demand for rapid test kits at our community distribution sites. We are in contact with our community partners and work is underway to meet the need. The number of tests distributed to community partners has been increased to support the higher demand this summer. In July, 233,620 rapid tests were distributed, close to 34,000 more than in June.

Rapid tests have been delivered to the main branches of our public libraries, however some have had delays in delivering tests to all of the regional libraries.

Rapid tests continue to be available in the community through most public libraries and family resource centres, MLA offices, Public Health Mobile Units, and for those using the services of Feed Nova Scotia and Access Nova Scotia. Locations can be found at https://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirus/covid-19-rapid-testing.

It is no longer recommended for Nova Scotians to test if they do not have symptoms. However, it is recommended that households have a box of rapid tests on hand in case symptoms develop.

For those with any one symptom of COVID-19, testing is widely available. PCR tests and rapid test pick-up can be booked by completing the online self assessment at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en or calling 811. There are more than 30 COVID-19 testing centres around the province where testing appointments can be made.