With the arrival of the Omicron COVID-19 variant in Nova Scotia, the province is tightening public health measures and making COVID-19 rapid test kits more readily available to people in the province.
Antigen tests, which use a shallow nasal swab, are often less reliable than the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, but can give results in less than 15 minutes. They can be used just before a family gathering or large public events to help control the broadcast.
According to the province, rapid tests are offered to people who have no symptoms, have not traveled, have not visited a site of potential exposure, and have not been in contact with someone who has tested positive.
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Although rapid COVID-19 tests are designed to be used by people without symptoms, Nova Scotia Health said they recognize that many people are using these tests when they experience symptoms.
If this is the case, they recommend that a single negative result cannot be used to rule out COVID-19 in a person with symptoms, stay home if sick, and repeat the test in 48 hours. If a person has close contact with someone who has a positive case, they should not use this test.
“If you receive a negative rapid test but still have symptoms, stay home and do another rapid test in 48 hours or reserve a PCR test at a COVID-19 Testing Center,” said NS Health.
Rapid results are not available at most of the province’s COVID-19 testing centers, but individuals can obtain a rapid test at the various locations listed online at nshealth.ca/coronavirus/covid-19-rapid-testing.
Starting Monday, people can also pick up the rapid test kits, which are packed with five tests, at the province’s public libraries. There are 400,000 tests available.
“While we stopped recommending general asymptomatic tests a while ago, we recognize that it is another way to keep meetings safe during the holidays, so we are making rapid tests more available for the season,” said Dr. Robert Strang, medical director of health for Nova Scotia, on Monday.
“Running a quick test can add an extra layer of protection if you’re hosting or attending meetings. Everyone should also get vaccinated, avoid travel, keep a small social circle, wear a mask when necessary or if they are in close contact with people outside their circle, and stay home if they are sick. “
Inbound travelers at Sydney and Halifax airports, and around 2,000 businesses and organizations in the province are providing rapid tests for employees.
More tests are also being given to children ages three to 11 through public and private schools, licensed and unlicensed child care centers, and family resource centers.
– with Rebecca Lau files
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