N.S. reports 581 cases of COVID-19 Monday, testing changes come into effect

HALIFAX -

The province of Nova Scotia is reporting 581 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday.

Public health says there are 420 cases in Central Zone, 62 cases in Eastern Zone, 42 cases in Northern Zone and 57 cases in Western Zone.

There were 4,851 tests completed on Sunday, Dec. 26.

Public health is also reporting an outbreak at a ward at the Halifax Infirmary site of the QEII Health Sciences Centre. There are currently less than five patients impacted. They are being closely monitored and other infection prevention and control measures are being put in place.

Nova Scotia Public Health is experiencing delays in follow-up because of a spike in testing and positive cases. The province is asking positive cases to contact their close contacts. The province says detailed follow-ups are being prioritized to support contact tracing in long-term care, healthcare facilities, correctional facilities, shelters and other group settings.

The province’s online COVID-19 dashboard will not be updated until Wednesday.

MAJOR SHIFT IN COVID-19 TESTING STRATEGY

Going forward, lab-processed COVID-19 tests known as PCR tests will be reserved for people deemed highest risk. Other Nova Scotians, who are close contacts or have symptoms, will be asked to book an appointment to pick up a rapid test kit to test themselves at home.

The change comes as lab resources hit capacity and COVID-19 cases continue to climb.

“Know when you do need a test, the test will be there for you. It’s just going to look a little different,” said Holly Gillis, public health manager with the Nova Scotia Health's Public Health Mobile Units.

Rapid take home test kits can be picked up by appointment at one of 30 test centres across the province after calling 811 or completing a COVID-19 screening self-assessment. Each box contains five tests, which allows for a person to test themselves every 24 to 48 hours for a week.

Public health is urging people not to hoard tests, to use tests when necessary—such as if they have symptoms or have been identified as a close contact— and to limit contacts.

“Take-home rapid appointments are really for people who have symptoms or who are identified as a close contact,” Gillis said.

Anyone who tests positive is being asked to self-isolate, notify their close contacts, and contact public health by emailing [e-mail] and including your name, date of birth, health card number and contact information.

To be eligible for a PCR test you must have symptoms or have been identified as close contacts and be 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 (i.e. family physicians, nurse practitioners, dentist) and First Responders

- Adults 18-49 year with one or more risk factors for severe disease:

• 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

PCR tests are also available for people required to get one for a medical procedure or partially or unvaccinated travellers who need 2 negative PCR tests to stop isolating after at least seven days.