In response to the recently announced case of the UK variant of COVID-19 in New Minas and a few positive cases in the Sackville area, where the source of infection is unknown, Public Health is increasing its testing capacity in these locations to provide more opportunities for the community to get tested.

Asymptomatic testing (testing people who show no symptoms of COVID-19) continues to be one of the tools that has helped limit the spread of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia. Testing is prevention.

As the UK variant is showing to be more contagious, it is important for Public Health to know where and how the new variant is spreading.

Public Health is encouraging everyone who lives in, or has travelled to, the communities between Wolfville and Berwick, and surrounding communities to get tested. The Public Health Mobile Unit will be in New Minas and Canning for the next four days to provide an opportunity for community-based testing.

The Public Health Mobile Unit will be available for drop-in and pre-booked appointments at the following locations:

• New Minas Fire Department (6 Jones Rd., New Minas) Thursday, Feb. 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Canning Multi Complex (977 J Jordan Rd., Canning) Saturday, Feb. 27 and Sunday, Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

*Drop-in testing is based on capacity. It is recommended that you book your appointment online by visiting the self-assessment tool: https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en or call 811.

The Public Health Mobile Unit will also be setting up at the Sackville Heights Community Centre (45 Connolly Rd., Middle Sackville) starting tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (drop-in testing only). Further dates and times to be announced.

For more information visit: http://www.nshealth.ca/.../public-health-encouraging...