When Nova Scotia reopens under Phase 5, rapid COVID-19 testing sites will close

As Nova Scotia prepares to enter Phase 5 of its reopening plan Wednesday, the province is shutting down its rapid COVID-19 testing sites.

Rapid testing is meant for asymptomatic people 16 and older who have not travelled, been to a potential exposure location or been in contact with someone who has tested positive. Nova Scotia Health's website has dates and locations for rapid testing sites, but the final two listed are for Halifax and Dartmouth Tuesday, with no future dates noted. Nova Scotia is bracing for the fourth wave of the pandemic. On Monday, the province announced 73 new cases of COVID-19, a figure that covers three days of testing. The province said there are signs of community spread in the central zone among unvaccinated people between the ages of 20 and 40 who are participating in social activities. When the province reaches Phase 5, mask mandates and gathering limits will be dropped. Liberal Leader Iain Rankin is calling for the province to keep the sites open, noting that rapid testing sites helped limit the size and duration of the third wave of the pandemic in Nova Scotia.  "Nova Scotia was recognized as a national leader in rapid testing," he said in a statement. "Pop-up sites across the province allowed easy access to results within an hour, giving Nova Scotians and visitors peace of mind as they travelled the province and supported local businesses.