Rapid test supply ‘precarious’, says Nova Scotia’s top doctor

Dr. Robert Strang says more rapid tests are on the way, but they’re not here yet and the province’s supply is “precarious”

CITYnews halifax \ Mark Hodgins

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Nova Scotia’s top doctor says the province’s supply of rapid tests is dwindling. 

Dr. Robert Strang calling the supply “precarious”. He says there are about one million tests left and the province has been going through around 800,000 a week so far.

Although he says more tests are on the way, Strang says shipping timelines continue to change and the use of tests needs to become more efficient.

“It seems everyone wants a test and feels entitled to having rapid tests at home to use as they see fit,” said Dr. Strang. “Unfortunately supply continues to be a challenge, not just for us but across Canada, and we need to use tests more efficiently and equitably.”

Strang says testing will be targeted to those with symptoms, workplaces that support vulnerable populations, schools and some more.

The doctor also asking Nova Scotians to be kind to workers that he says have spent the last two years caring for others.