Day: March 19, 2020

COVID-19/HEALTH/WELLNESS–Two New Presumptive Cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia

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As of today, March 19, Nova Scotia has five confirmed cases and nine presumptive cases of COVID-19, for a total of 14.

Two new cases were identified Wednesday, March 18. Both are travel-related.

The cases are located across the province. Northern Nova Scotia remains the only region without a positive case of COVID-19 at this time. The 14 individuals affected range in age from early 30’s to mid-70’s.

Public health has been in contact with these individuals and working to identify others who may have come in close contact with them. Those individuals are also being directed to self-isolate at home, away from the public, for 14 days. 

The province is testing daily, working with our partners at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg. To date, Nova Scotia has 1,373 negative test results, nine presumptive positive cases and five confirmed cases. 

Anyone who has travelled outside of Canada must self-isolate for 14 days when they return to Nova Scotia. If you have been in close contact with someone who has travelled and are experiencing fever (above 38 C) and/or new cough you should complete the online questionnaire before calling 811. The online questionnaire can be found at: https://811.novascotia.ca/

Nova Scotians can find accurate, up-to-date information, handwashing posters and fact sheets at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus .

Today’s update will be livestreamed at 3 p.m. onhttps://novascotia.ca/stayinformed/webcast , @nsgov Facebook and YouTube channels

Quick Facts:

— testing numbers are updated daily at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus

— Nova Scotia’s Health Protection Act gives the chief medical officer of health the authority to give advice to protect public health and decrease risk to public health presented by communicable diseases such as COVID-19

Additional Resources:

The Public Health Agency of Canada maintains a list of affected areas:https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals/covid-19-affected-areas-list.html

Government of Canada: https://canada.ca/coronavirus

Government of Canada toll-free information line 1-833-784-4397 Nova Scotia Public Health offices: http://www.nshealth.ca/public-health-offices

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Premier Stephen McNeil, chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang, and Health and Wellness Minister Randy Delorey provided an update earlier today, March 18. A recording of the news conference is available on the NS Gov Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/user/nsgov.  

Details of additional measures announced to further prevent the spread of COVID-19 and increase capacity within the health system to respond are outlined below:

Effective immediately:

— doctors and pharmacists have new options for virtual care, using telephone and secure videoconferencing

— pharmacists can renew prescriptions for most medications and government will cover the assessment fee

— employers cannot require a doctor’s note if an employee must be off work

— College of Physicians and Surgeons waiving the fee for retired doctors to renew their licences so they can come back to work

— retired and other nurses are being brought into the system to assist with 811 staffing

— all service providers funded through the Department of Community Services’ Disability Support Program – including social enterprises, day programs, and supported employment programs for adults with diverse abilities – will close to participants and the public

Effective midnight, Thursday, March 19:

— personal service and fitness establishments such as hair salons, barber shops, spas, nail salons, body art establishments and gyms must shut down

 

The full news release is available at:https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20200318004 and in French at: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20200318005.

 

NSHA and IWK have further restricted visitors and instituted other measures like online mental health supports and more assessment centres. More information is available at the links below:

 

A number of new resources have been developed for businesses and individuals, including:

These materials are also available in French: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/fr/

As announced earlier today, Nova Scotia has 12 cases of COVID-19, including nine presumptive and three confirmed cases. The news release is available at: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20200318001 and in French athttps://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20200318002.