ELMSDALE: The Nova Scotia Health Authority says the COVID19 assessment centre in the at the Lloyd E. Matheson Centre has completed more than 200 tests.
Brendan Elliott, spokesman for NSHA, said the tests were completed between April 5-15. Citing privacy, he could not provide a breakdown.
“Out of concern for the privacy and confidentiality of all citizens who have attended the centre,” Elliott told The Laker News, “we are not releasing positive or negative case numbers.”
He said the location in Elmsdale was setup because NSHA recognized a larger number of COVID-19 cases in that region compared to other areas.
“It’s our goal to monitor the virus and stop community spread as quickly as possible,” he said. “By setting up these temporary assessment clinics, it will help us increase testing in the area and identify cases and support containment efforts.”
At the assessment centre–located at the space usually used for the blood collection lab–there are five staff on hand. This includes one LPN; one RN; a clerical staff; one security person; and one housekeeping/cleaning staff member.
Elliott was asked if the assessment centre is doing what it is supposed to be to see if the community spread of COVID19 is being curtailed.
“Best practices around the world suggest if you can wrap your arms around a specific community to really focus on the virus, it can have a significant impact,” he said. “Time will tell.”
He said everyone attending the centre have been very appreciative to have this centre in their community.
“One of our goals throughout this epidemic has been to make all our processes as convenient and stress-free as possible for those who need to be assessed,” said Elliott.
