COVID-19 testing jumps in eastern zone as community spread confirmed in Sydney

The number of people getting tested for COVID-19is onthe risein Nova Scotia's eastern health zone, where community spread has been identified in Sydney.

Health officials put a call out for more testing due to an uptick in the number of cases in the region, particularly in Sydney where there are positive COVID-19 cases with no known origin.

Andrew HeightonofNova Scotia Health said Thursday more than 2,000 tests have been completed in the eastern zone within the last 24 hours. That's up from about 200 to 300 tests daily.

Heighton suggested making testing part of a regular routine.

"[People] can get tested once a weekor once every 14 days," he toldCBC Radio's Information Morning Cape Breton. "That's going to determine what are the areas of concern that we need to look at."

Cab rides available

Within the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, most of the testing is taking place inSydney. There are limited options for testing outside the community.

Heighton saidthe health authorityis co-ordinating with cab companies to give peoplea lift to testing sites, including in the Sydney area.

"We do have conversations going onoutside of Sydney, as well, withGlace Bay and New Waterford," he said.

To arrange a taxi ride to a COVID-19 testing appointment, people can call1-844-996-0694 or 811.

Nova Scotia Health is also working with the Ally Centre on Bentinck Street in Sydneyto providetesting to clients who are unable to travel.

11 new cases Thursday

The province reported 11 new cases of COVID-19in the eastern zone Thursday, for a total of 132 active cases in that region.

In Sydney, the group most affected by unknown transmission has been people between the agesof 20 and 30.

Heighton saidmore testing is needed in order to keep a handle on where cases are appearing.

He said the growingnumber of people getting testedis welcomenews after a recent decline in tests being conducted.

Last time there was a call for COVID-19 testing in the Sydney area, a high volume of tests resulted in a laboratory backlog.

Heightonsaid there is now rapid testing available. Rapid testsareread on-site and can providenegative or positive resultswithin an hour.