*Please note this news release was issued on June 4, 2021. The Government of Nova Scotia has updated its testing program since this news release was published. For the latest information on airport testing, please visit the government’s COVID-19 Travel website.
Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) is pleased with the Government of Nova Scotia’s announcement today that, beginning June 8, COVID-19 testing will be available to passengers arriving at Halifax Stanfield.
This airport testing initiative is being conducted in collaboration with the Nova Scotia Government and Nova Scotia Health as an added layer of safety for our communities.
“We are proud to support the government’s testing strategy in the fight against COVID-19,” said Joyce Carter, President and CEO, HIAA. “By facilitating early detection of the virus in travellers entering the province by air, we will be helping minimize the spread of the virus in our communities and take an important step towards the safe reopening of our province.”
The airport testing facility will be set up in Arrivals, just after baggage claim. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., travellers will be provided with a self-swab PCR test to be used under the supervision of Nova Scotia Health personnel. Flights arriving outside of those hours will be provided with a take-home self-swab PCR testing kit, which can be dropped off within 48 hours of arriving at any COVID-19 provincial assessment centre.
Although airport testing is voluntary, we’re confident most passengers will opt into testing based on the large numbers of Nova Scotians who have been getting regularly tested to protect those around them. Testing at the airport will make it easier for travellers arriving by air to participate in the Government of Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 testing programs. It should be noted this new testing option does not replace the requirement to self-isolate for 14 days even if passengers receive a negative test result.
Airport testing will also help to instill consumer confidence in travel as border restrictions are eased as part of the Nova Scotia Reopening Plan. Throughout the pandemic, HIAA has implemented a variety of health and safety measures designed to keep those who needed to travel and work at the airport safe and comfortable. This includes limiting the terminal building to travellers and workers only, physical distancing, reminders to frequently wash or sanitize your hands, installation of dozens of hand sanitizing stations, an enhanced cleaning program, and always wearing a mask.