COVID-19 Updates - Close Contacts

Today the Province issued a press release regarding the upcoming changes in COVID restrictions that come into effect on March 7th. The release also contains updated information regarding close contacts.

Changes to the isolation requirements for people with COVID-19 and their contacts will also take effect on Monday:

PEOPLE WHO TEST POSITIVE

Regardless of age or vaccination status, people who test positive will need to isolate for seven days from when their symptoms began (or from the date of their positive test if they did not have symptoms). They can stop isolating on the eighth day as long as they don’t have symptoms or symptoms are improving and they’ve had no fever for 24 hours. They will no longer be asked to notify any contacts outside their homes.

CONTACTS WITH NO SYMPTOMS

There will no longer be isolation or testing requirements for contacts who do not have symptoms. Contacts of people who test positive for COVID-19 are not required to isolate or get tested but should monitor for symptoms. If the contact lives with the person who tests positive, the contact is not required to isolate or get tested but should monitor for symptoms and testing is recommended.

PEOPLE WITH SYMPTOMS

People who live with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 and develops symptoms will need to isolate and test immediately, and then do a second test 72 hours later. If using rapid tests, a third test is required 48 hours after the second. People can leave isolation if all tests are negative, symptoms are improving, and they’ve had no fever for 24 hours.

There is no change for people who do not live with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 and develop symptoms – they still need to isolate and test immediately. If using rapid tests, a second test 48 hours after the first is required.

Anyone who tests positive with a rapid test can get that result confirmed with a PCR test if they wish.

People can leave isolation if all tests are negative, symptoms are improving, and they’ve had no fever for 24 hours. The Nova Scotia Health Authority website will be updated with more details at: https://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirus

Anyone who is still within 90 days of recovering from a confirmed case of COVID-19 does not have to isolate or test. If they develop symptoms during that period, they should still stay home because they are sick with something (such as a cold or flu) and should avoid spreading it to others.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me!

Bette