Positive COVID-19 cases in N.S. to be notified by text

Most people testing positive for COVID-19 in Nova Scotia will now receive a text message instead of a phone call.

Nova Scotia Health said the hope is tolet people know in a more timely manner so those people can begin to self-isolate sooner and avoid further spread.

If text messaging is not an option, Public Health will still follow up by phone.

The change was prompted by abacklog in contacting positive cases and close contacts.

As of Wednesday afternoon, there were approximately 430 people waiting for calls.Public Health said it planned to call 305 people Thursday morning to triage them but that numbers can change quickly.

Triaging involves assessing if someone is a higher priority based on exposure settings, giving instructions on isolation, and getting contact information and ensuring nurses follow up with higher priority cases.

Text messages will advise positive cases to self-isolate, notify close contacts and register for Public Health's daily check-in service.