There’s a new online testing system in place for people who are close contacts of those with COVID-19 or have symptoms.
You will need to complete an online self-assessment to find out which kind of test you need.
Most people who are close contacts or have symptoms will be directed to book an appointment to get a take-home rapid test from a testing centre.
Only certain people who are close contacts or have symptoms will be directed to book an appointment for a PCR test at a testing centre.
This includes people who are at increased risk for severe disease, live in congregate settings, are being admitted to hospital or are integral to keeping the health system running.
The only other people who can book a PCR test are:
— domestic travellers who are not fully vaccinated and need two negative test results to stop isolating in Nova Scotia
— rotational workers and specialized workers who are not fully vaccinated and are required to get tested up to three times while in Nova Scotia.
When people test positive on a rapid test, they should notify public health by emailing their name, date of birth, health card number (if they have one) and contact information to PublicHealthPOCT@nshealth.ca.
They need to advise their close contacts and follow directions.
Are you eligible for a PCR test?
1. People who have symptoms or have been identified as close contacts AND are one of the following:
- 50 years and over
- Unvaccinated (less than full vaccine series) and age 12 or older
- Live or work in the following congregate settings:
- Long-term care home
- Residential care facilities
- Corrections
- Shelters and transition houses
- Acute care settings
- Adult First Nations and African Nova Scotians
- Front line Health Care Workers with direct patient care (eg family physicians, nurse practitioners, dentist) and First Responders
- Adults 18-49 year with one or more risk factors for severe disease:
- Obesity (BMI >30 kg/m2)
- Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus
- Chronic lung disease, including poorly controlled asthma (e.g. on medication or hospitalization within the past 12 months)
- Chronic kidney disease, including those on dialysis
- Downs Syndrome
- Motor Neuron Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Myasthenia Gravis, Huntington’s Disease
- Immunocompromised or receiving immunosuppressive therapy
- Children and youth under age 18 with any of the following conditions:
- history of prematurity < 29 weeks
- Chronic lung disease including chronic lung disease of prematurity, cystic fibrosis, and severe asthma
- Downs Syndrome
- Motor Neuron Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Myasthenia Gravis
- Obesity (BMI >30kg/m2)
- Pregnant
2. Testing required for medical procedure
3. Partially or unvaccinated travellers who need 2 negative PCR tests to stop isolating after at least 7 days
All other symptomatic persons or identified as close contacts are able to book an appointment for a rapid test pick-up at a COVID-19 Testing Centre. Drop-in appointments are not available.
If you have rapid test kits at home, it is important to note:
2 negative tests, 48 hours apart = negative (unless you are not fully vaccinated and have ongoing symptoms, in which case you need a third negative test)
1 positive = positive – no confirmation PCR test necessary.
If you are using a rapid test and your result is positive, you do not need to do a follow up PCR test. You have COVID-19 and you need to isolate and notify your close contacts.
Visit this page for more information on what to do next: https://www.nshealth.ca/testedpositiveforcovid
