N.S. ramps up take-home COVID-19 testing kit program
A volunteer-led initiative to hand out rapid take-home COVID-19 testing kits is ramping up across Nova Scotia.
Currently, the packages—which include five tests—are available at the Halifax Convention Centre, the pop-up site at Alderney Gate and other rapid testing pop-up sites around the province.
Public Health said mobile testing units have also handed out take-home kits and domestic passengers arriving at the Halifax airport are able to access them as well.
The initiative has been ongoing at various locations since May. A spokesperson with the Department of Public Health said there are plans to make rapid tests more widely available to help make socializing safer during the holiday season, with details to be shared soon.
“It’s about convenience and having options as we go into the holidays,” said Dr. Lisa Barrett, an infectious disease specialist and scientist in Halifax.
“I think there are more people who recognize there are home tests available at some of our sites and over the next couple of weeks, in conjunction with partners around the province, there will be more access. I think there’s lots more folks that are going to be taking home tests over the next number of weeks.”
Barrett said these particular tests are meant to be used by people who have no symptoms, have not been at an exposure site and aren’t contacts of people who have COVID-19.
“Those folks should be getting a PCR test,” Barrett said.
In terms of accuracy, Barrett said these tests are about 88 per cent effective in figuring out whether you have COVID-19 or not, depending on the test and how well it is administered.
“You gotta do it well, put the swab in the right distance and do the test as per the instruction but if you do that, these are very, very good tests at figuring out whether or not you’re infectious or not and that’s really our goal here,” Barrett said.
Barrett said there is a firm goal of supplying people with enough tests to get them through the holidays, noting no resource is infinite and it’s possible the tests could run out at some point.
“But you know what, we’re no where near that right now,” Barrett said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.