The provincial government has no immediate plans to expand COVID-19 testing capacity even though school returns next week and demand may spike in a few weeks’ time.

Coughing and sneezing coincide with back-to-school after the first two or three weeks, but Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says they have sufficient testing capacity.

They’re banking on the measures designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19—such as physical distancing—helping to control the spread of the common ailments such as colds and flus.

Meanwhile, the province hopes to see a significant increase in the number of people choosing to get the flu shot this year.

Dr. Fitzgerald says it’s always important to get the shot, but even more so this year. They’re aiming for an 80 per cent rate, which would be a significant increase over most years.

She says it could help alleviate strain on the healthcare system should there be a surge of cases of COVID-19.