Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing extended

People looking to get a COVID-19 test without symptoms in Nova Scotia can still do that until January.

The deadline for booking an asymptomatic test was Friday, Dec. 18, but the province is extending testing as one tool that will help limit the spread of COVID-19.

"We know that asymptomatic testing plays an important part in containing the virus," said Premier Stephen Mcneil in a news release.

"That's why our testing strategy has continued to evolve. I want to thank people for coming forward to get tested, and all those involved in administering and processing the tests."

People can book an appointment up to three days in advance through the COVID19 self-assessment at https:// covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en

General asymptomatic testing is available for people who:

• do not have symptoms

• have not travelled outside the Atlantic provinces within the past 14 days

• have not visited a potential exposure location

• have not been in contact with someone who has tested positive

People who get a general asymptomatic test are not required to self-isolate while waiting for their test or for their results. People getting tested for other reasons can find their self-isolation requirements at http://www. nshealth.ca/what-do-i-needknow-about-covid-19-testing-and-self-isolation .

Rapid tests will also continue to be available for asymptomatic people aged 16 and older into the new year.

The test was administered at pop-up testing clinics which have been set up at rotating locations across Nova Scotia throughout the past few weeks. On Friday, the clinic is at the Dartmouth North Community Centre on 105 Highfield Park Drive.

The age limit for rapid tests is 16 and over. Appointments are not required for pop-up testing sites.

ASYMPTOMATIC TESTING FOR STUDENTS, ROTATIONAL WORKERS

The province is also introducing new tetsing recommendations for rotational workers and students returning to Nova Scotia from outside Atlantic Canada.

"While asymptomatic testing is voluntary, it is strongly recommended as an added layer of protection for rotational workers and students, their families and households, and their communities," said Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health.

"By getting tested, you're helping us detect the virus early enough to isolate household contacts before they can unknowingly spread the virus to others."

Rotational workers should get two tests during their selfisolation.

Currently, the workers are recommended to get one test on day 6, 7 or 8 of their selfisolation. An additional test is now recommended on day 1 or 2.

Since September, rotational workers have been allowed a modified self-isolation where they can do a list of activities including going for a drive, visiting outdoor public spaces, and contactless pick-up for groceries or getting food from drive-throughs.

Workers must still complete their full 14 days of modified self-isolation, even if they have negative test results.

STUDENT GROUP SUPPORTS STRATEGY

Post-secondary students returning to Nova Scotia from outside Atlantic Canada after the holidays are also recommended to get a COVID-19 test even if they don't have symptoms.

The test should be done on day 6, 7 or 8 of their selfisolation. They must complete the full 14 days of self-isolation, even if they have a negative test result.

While a negative test result indicates that a person can't spread COVID-19 at the time of testing, they could still become infectious in the next few days.

“People who receive a negative test result must continue to follow public health measures and if they develop symptoms, immediately self-isolate and complete the COVID-19 self-assessment,” said the release.

In another news release, Students Nova Scotia, an advocacy group for students in the province, said they support the new testing recommendation for students.

"When Premier (Mcneil) and Dr. Strang asked young people to get tested, we came out in full force”, said Students Nova Scotia vice chair Lydia Houck in the release.

“We are confident that students will not only respect the 14-day quarantine period but will adhere to these testing suggestions because we care about our communities. We are asking all students, asymptomatic or not, to get tested in January like we have this past December.”

According to the release, students seeking testing are to resubmit the Nova Scotia Safe Check-in form that was used in September, which will allow students to book their appointments when they return to the province in January.