Nova Scotia is closing the doors of its rapid testing sites as we enter the final stage of our reopening plan.
Former Premier and Liberal Leader Iain Rankin has issued a release calling on the province to keep the testing sites open after Phase 5, saying they’ve been vital to curbing the spread of the virus here.
“The strategy worked. Rapid testing identified approximately 20 per cent of COVID-19 cases during the third wave, allowing us to quickly identify and contain new cases and close contacts,” Rankin says. “We’re all eager to get back to some sense of normal, but that can’t come at the expense of safety. We need to get this right.”
Just two sites remain open, and according to public health’s website, they’re set to wrap up on Tuesday.
Rankin is asking government to keep the sites open until at least October 4th. That’s when the province will introduce a proof of vaccination policy for non-essential services, like gyms, bars and restaurants, as well as at theatres and concerts.
Phase 5 is set to kick off on Wednesday, September 16th. It will drop Nova Scotia’s mandatory masking mandate and also get rid of group gathering limits.
