Now that Nova Scotia has confirmed cases of community spread, (and has worked its ass off to increase its testing capacity) in order to keep ahead of coronavirus’s wrath, health officials are asking you to phone 811 if you’re experiencing two or more of these symptoms:
1. A fever of more than 38 C or 100.4 F (or signs of a fever)
2. A new cough or a cough that is getting worse
3. A sore throat
4. A runny nose
5. A headache
Again, if you have two or more of these symptoms, call 811Â and from there you’ll be assessed over the phone and either directed to an assessment centre or, if you live in HRM or Cape Breton Regional Municipality and are unable to get to an assessment centre because of mobility challenges, they could dispatch one of the new mobile test services to come to you. This will all be sorted out over the phone when you call 811.
And as always: wash your hands, cough into your elbow, wipe common surfaces, don’t touch your face, and for all of us, take social distancing seriously.Â
This article appears in Apr 1-30, 2020.
So…a new cough, but any runny nose or sore throat? Some of these symptoms are just a part of my every day life.