WOLFVILLE -- To keep the province’s communities safe from COVID-19 we need to follow the public health measures and be vigilant for the signs of the virus (SARS-CoV-2).

Acadia University, Dalhousie University and LuminUltra Technologies Ltd. have teamed up to determine the best way to test the wastewater coming from homes and businesses for traces of COVID-19. Wolfville’s municipal wastewater system is part of that research.

The researchers have detected COVID-19 in the town’s wastewater. This research is still experimental so can’t be considered definitive. But it could be a signal that COVID-19 is present in our community.

The Town of Wolfville has spoken with public health officials. In an abundance of caution, we ask all residents of Wolfville to closely monitor their health for symptoms of COVID-19.

Visit https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ to do a self-assessment if in the past 48 hours you have had or you are currently experiencing:

• fever (i.e. chills/sweats) or cough (new or worsening)

Or:

Two or more of the following symptoms (new or worsening):

• sore throat
• runny nose/ nasal congestion
• headache
• shortness of breath

Call 811 if you cannot access the online self-assessment or wish to speak with a nurse about your symptoms.

It remains important for Nova Scotians to strictly adhere to the public health order and directives – practise good hand washing and other hygiene steps, maintain a physical distance when and where required. Wearing a non-medical mask is mandatory in most indoor public places.

About LuminUltra

Founded in 1995, LuminUltra is a biological diagnostic testing company headquartered in Canada with operations in six countries. It is widely recognized globally as a leader in developing tests and reagents for environmental, industrial, and diagnostic monitoring and is a key supplier of COVID-19 clinical testing reagents to the Government of Canada. Customers in over 80 countries trust LuminUltra's technology, production reliability and history of customer service excellence to deliver their essential services in a safe-state. At the same time, LuminUltra fosters a culture of innovation and agility and is on an accelerated growth path, acquiring multiple companies in recent years and forming a partnership with the specialized private equity firm XPV Water Partners. Additional information can be found at luminultra.com.

About Acadia University

Acadia University, in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, has long been recognized as one of Canada's premier post-secondary institutions. With its nationally and internationally recognized undergraduate and graduate research initiatives, small classes, and technology-rich teaching and learning environment, Acadia offers students an experience that includes academic achievement combined with personal growth and development. Acadia also offers distance learning, certificate programs, language training, and other university extension programs through Open Acadia.

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