'Areas of concern' prompt more COVID-19 testing sites in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia Health is increasing testing capacity across the province in response to several clusters of cases outside of the central zone that so far have no identified source of infection.

The "areas of concern" are Sydney, Bridgewater, and the Annapolis Valley from New Minas to Kentville, according to a news release from the health authority.

Increased testing in these areas will help determine where COVID-19is, and if and how it's spreading. More options for testing in these communities will be added as needed, the release said.

Western Zone

Three testing locations have been added in the western health zone, all of them by appointment only. You canbook a COVID-19 teston theself-assessment websiteor by contacting 811.

• Acadia Festival Theatreat 504 Main St., Wolfville, seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Berwick Fire Hallat 300 Commercial St., Berwick, seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.This location is by appointment only.
• 210 Aberdeen Rd., Bridgewater, seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.This location is by appointment only.

Eastern Zone

Three testing locations have been added in the eastern health zone, including twowith gargle testing for children and youth. Some locations are drop-in only and others require an appointment.

• Centre 200 at 481 George St., Sydney, will reopen this week. Dates and times have not yet been confirmed. This is a rapid testing site and is drop-in only. It's for people 16 and older who are asymptomatic and have a low exposure risk.
• GLR Fire Hall at 850 Grand Lake Rd., Sydney, seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.NOTE: this locationreopens on Monday, May 17.This location accepts drop-ins and pre-booked appointments. Testing at this location is for anyone of any age, regardless of whether they have any COVID symptoms, have travelled or been to an exposure site. Gargle tests are available for ages4 to 18.
• Antigonish Market square at 149 Church St., Antigonish, seven days a week from 8:30a.m. to 4:30 p.m..This location accepts pre-booked appointments only. Testing at this location is for anyone of any age, regardless of whether they have any COVID symptoms, have travelled or been to an exposure site. Gargle tests are available for ages4 to 18.
• Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre at 606 Reeves St., Port Hawkesbury, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This location accepts pre-booked appointments only. Testing at this location is for anyone of any age, regardless of whether they have any COVID symptoms, have travelled or been to an exposure site. Gargle tests are available forages 4 to 18.

Northern Zone

In response to a low-risk exposure notice in the community, a temporary testing location is opening in Parrsboro next week.

• South Cumberland Community Care Centre at 50 Jenks Ave., Parrsboro on May 19, 20, and 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.This location is by appointment only, which can bebooked online starting May 17.Testing at this location is for anyone of any age, regardless of whether they have any COVID symptoms, have travelled or been to an exposure site. Gargle tests are available for ages 4 to 18.