by The Health Authority is asking people in the Eastern Zone that includes Cape Breton and the Central Zone not to book appointments for routine blood collection and to cancel their booked appointments for blood collection in the next two weeks.
It says the move is necessary because of the high volume of COVID tests being processed.
However, people whose tests are required for immediate diagnosis or management of chronic illness, including people getting chemotherapy, should continue with their appointments.
The Health Authority says it will let people know when it can resume routine blood collection.