Those at increased risk encouraged to use rapid tests as Phase 2 begins

Phase 2 of the province’s plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions kicks in at 12:01 a.m. on Monday

CITYnews halifax \ Meghan Groff

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Nova Scotians who are at an increased risk of severe disease — including those who are older or immunocompromised — are being encouraged to use rapid tests on an occasional or regular basis, even if they don’t have symptoms, as Phase 2 begins.

The recommendation also applies to those who live with or spend a lot of time with someone falling in that category.

“Epidemiology is improving and restrictions are gradually lifting, but the pandemic is not over and we need to continue to evolve our testing strategy,” said Dr. Robert Strang in a news release.

“Through the Omicron wave, rapid tests were used mainly to diagnose COVID-19 among close contacts and people with symptoms,” the chief medical officer of health added. “We are now encouraging Nova Scotians to also use rapid tests as a way to help protect vulnerable people in our communities as we move toward a state of living with COVID-19.”

Rapid tests are currently available at pop-up sites, family resource centres and some libraries, and the province plans to expand distribution in the coming weeks.

Those who have symptoms or live with someone who has tested positive can do the online self-assessment for either a PCR test or a rapid test.

Phase 2 of the province’s plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions kicks in at 12:01 a.m. on Monday.

At that point, those who test positive will still need to self-isolate but they won’t have to notify any close contacts outside of their own household.

Close contacts that do not have symptoms will not need to isolate or get tested, although testing is recommended, and they should monitor for symptoms.

Close contacts that develop symptoms need to isolate and test immediately.

Phase 3 is scheduled to begin on March 21, as long as everything remains stable, and will mark the end of all restrictions. That includes no gathering limits, physical distancing or mask requirements.