COVID19 testing centre opens at Matheson Centre in Elmsdale

ELMSDALE: Residents of East Hants will have a spot to go get COVID19 tests as N.S. Health announced new locations for testing were opening in the Northern Zone, which includes Elmsdale.

A new Primary Assessment Centre will open at the Lloyd E. Matheson Centre in Elmsdale tomorrow, Friday, May 14.  Appointments are now available to book online. The appointments filled quickly.

The hours for the testing centre will be Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays 1 to 5 p.m. It is by appointment only. Book at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en or call 811.

All ages, for those who have symptoms, no symptoms (asymptomatic), have travelled or been to a potential exposure site and have been a close contact of a positive COVID case.

The testing centre in Amherst is relocating to the Amherst Stadium on Monday, May 18.  The current Primary Assessment Centre at 34 Prince Arthur Street in Amherst will remain open until Sunday, May 16, then move to the Amherst Stadium for Monday morning appointments. 

Here are the details for both Primary Assessment Centres:

Lloyd E. Matheson Centre, 15 Commerce Ct., Elmsdale, opening Friday, May 14 at 1 p.m.

  • Hours:  Fridays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • By appointment only. Book at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en or call 811.
  • All ages, for those who have symptoms, no symptoms (asymptomatic), have travelled or been to a potential exposure site and have been a close contact of a positive COVID case.
  • Gargle tests are available for children and youth (ages 4-18). Children and youth must not eat, drink, chew gum, smoke or vape for at least an hour before the test.

34 Prince Arthur Street, Amherst (closing Sunday, May 16 at 12 noon)

  • Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until May 16 at 12 noon.
  • By appointment only. Book at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en or call 811.
  • All ages, for those who have symptoms, no symptoms (asymptomatic), have travelled or been to a potential exposure site and have been a close contact of a positive COVID case.
  • Gargle tests are available for children and youth (ages 4-18). Children and youth must not eat, drink, chew gum, smoke or vape for at least an hour before the test.

Amherst Stadium, 185 Church Street, opening Monday, May 17 at 9 a.m.

  • Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week
  • By appointment only. Book at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en or call 811.
  • All ages, for those who have symptoms, no symptoms (asymptomatic), have travelled or been to a potential exposure site and have been a close contact of a positive COVID case.
  • Gargle tests are available for children and youth (ages 4-18). Children and youth must not eat, drink, chew gum, smoke or vape for at least an hour before the test.

Please note:

  • For locations that require an appointment, please book online at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en. If you don’t have access to the internet, call 811.
  • Swish and Gargle is available at primary assessment centres for children and youth. Preparation is required for gargle testing. View instructions at https://www.iwk.nshealth.ca/COVID-19/testing#gargle
  • Please bring your health card with you, if you have one.
  • You may have to wait in line outside; please dress accordingly.
  • It may take longer than 72 hours to receive a negative result by email.
  • Testing is free to everyone.
  • All Nova Scotians are advised to continue monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms and are urged to follow Public Health guidelines. Up to date information about COVID-19 is available at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/

All potential exposure notifications are listed at http://www.nshealth.ca/covid-exposures.