Rapid Testing Continues In Halifax, Aimed At Bar And Restaurant Staff And Patrons
HALIFAX – A new Covid-19 rapid testing program in Halifax has resulted in more than 1,000 quick tests being done on asymptomatic people in the city. The program is aimed at patrons and workers of late night bars and restaurants, where many exposures of occurred during the recent outbreak.
On November 26, alone, 1,142 tests were completed, with four positive results. Those who tested positive were told to self-isolate. There are currently 119 active cases in Nova Scotia, including nine newly reported cases on November 27.
The government is encouraging anyone who has worked at a bar or restaurant past 10 pm in the HRM to sign up for a rapid test, even if they don’t have symptoms.
“Most of our recent cases of Covid-19 have been among young people who have been to late-night bars and restaurants,” said Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health, in a recent press release.
“This broad testing initiative will help us detect new cases early, get people who test positive to self-isolate and stop the spread of the virus. This is one tool in our toolbox, but it does not diminish how important it is for people to tighten their social circles and activities and follow public health measures.”
The rapid testing will be available to staff and customers of these establishments until November 30, but people must book in advance as space is limited.
“This isn’t about blaming or shaming,” said Strang. “The important thing right now is that people come forward so we can identify as many cases of Covid-19 as we can and take action to reduce the spread.”
The pilot project for rapid testing began on November 21, with a popup site on Grafton Street. Kourosh Rad, the owner of Garden Food Bar & Lounge, was one of the first to get tested on that pilot run.
Rad was walking on Grafton when he saw the lineup and decided to get tested. He said the process was quick and efficient, and he praises the health workers for how it was handled.
“I think it was vey well done…overall very fast,” said Rad. “It made me feel a lot safer living in Nova Scotia, being able to get tested so fast and getting the results so quickly.”
Rad says he got swabbed twice to be tested for Covid-19. He got his first result within 15 minutes. Less than two days later he got an email reconfirming his negative result.
In a bit of sad irony, Rad decided to close his dining area just two days later, on November 23, when he was made aware of a potential exposure in the restaurant. This reconfirmed the importance for everyone who frequents bars and restaurants to do the rapid testing.