Author: darcy

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

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As of today, March 24, Nova Scotia has 51 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Ten new cases were identified Monday, March 23. The cases are travel-related or connected to earlier reported cases. Several of the new cases are connected to groups or families who have returned to Nova Scotia following travel outside of Canada. None of these cases are from spread within the community.

The 51 individuals affected range in age from under ten to mid-70’s. Cases have been identified in all parts of the province. One individual remains in hospital. One individual has recovered and their case of COVID-19 is considered resolved.

Public health has been in contact with these individuals and is 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. 

To date, Nova Scotia has 2,474 negative test results and 51 confirmed cases.

Anyone who has travelled outside of Nova Scotia must self-isolate for 14 days. If you have travelled outside of Nova Scotia or been in close contact with someone who has travelled and are experiencing fever 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

— a state of emergency was declared under the Emergency Management Act on March 22 and remains in effect until noon, April 5

— under the state of emergency government can control or prohibit assembly as well as travel to and from areas. It can also coordinate commerce activity and emergency responders

Additional Resources:

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

Government of Canada toll-free information line 1-833-784-4397

COVID-19/HEALTH/WELLNESS–13 New Cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia

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NOTE TO EDITORS: Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health will provide an update today, March 23, at 3 p.m.

Media can participate via teleconference. To get the teleconference details, please register by contacting: Blaise Theriault at [email protected]

This update will be livestreamed on https://novascotia.ca/stayinformed/webcast .

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As of today, March 23, Nova Scotia has 41 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Thirteen new cases were identified Sunday, March 22. The cases are travel-related or related to earlier reported cases. Several of the new cases are connected and involve groups or families who have returned to Nova Scotia following travel outside of Canada. 

The 41 individuals affected range in age from under ten to mid-70’s. Cases have been identified in all parts of the province. One individual remains in hospital. At this point, there has been no spread within communities.

Public health has been in contact with these individuals and are 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 QEII Health Sciences Centre’s microbiology lab is now certified to report positive and negative tests for COVID-19. Tests no longer have to be sent to the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg. To date, Nova Scotia has 2,308 negative test results and 41 confirmed cases. 

Anyone who has travelled outside of Nova Scotia must self-isolate for 14 days. If you have travelled outside of Nova Scotia or been in close contact with someone who has travelled and are experiencing fever 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

— a state of emergency was declared under the Emergency Management Act on March 22 and remains in effect until noon, April 5

— under the state of emergency government can control or prohibit assembly as well as travel to and from areas. It can also coordinate commerce activity and emergency responders

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

State of Emergency Declaration: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/Declaration-of-Provincial-State-of-Emergency-by-Minister-Porter-Signed-March-22-2020.pdf

COVID-19/HEALTH/WELLNESS–One New Presumptive Case of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia

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As of today, Nova Scotia has five confirmed cases and ten presumptive cases of COVID-19, for a total of 15.

One new case was identified Thursday, March 19. It is travel-related.

The cases are located across the province. The 15 individuals affected range in age from mid-20’s to mid-70’s.

Public health has been in contact with these individuals and are 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 partners at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg. To date, Nova Scotia has 1,546 negative test results, ten 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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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.

NEWS RELEASE:

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

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As of today, Nova Scotia has three confirmed cases and nine presumptive cases of COVID-19.

Five new cases were identified Tuesday, March 17. Four of the cases are travel-related and one is connected to an earlier case.

The 12 individuals affected range in age from early 30’s to mid-70’s. They are all in self-isolation and recovering at home.

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. They are located across the province. Northern Nova Scotia is the only region without a positive case of COVID-19 at this time.

The province is testing daily, working with our partners at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg. To date, Nova Scotia has 1,141 negative test results, nine presumptive positive cases and three 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

— the Government of Canada has issued a travel advisory asking Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice

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

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Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health has announced two new presumptive cases of COVID-19 bringing the total number of presumptive positives in the province to five.

The two cases are in Halifax Regional Municipality and are related. The case details include:

— a male and female, both in their 50’s, were in close contact with individuals who had recently travelled outside the country

— two other individuals in the household are now in self-isolation and being tested

The affected individuals are in self-isolation and recovering at home.

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.

Anyone who has travelled outside of Canada or has been in close contact with someone who has travelled and are experiencing fever (above 38 C) and/or new cough 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 .

Quick Facts:

— as of March 16, Nova Scotia has completed 676 tests for COVID-19, with 671 negative results and five presumptive positive cases. Testing numbers are updated daily at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus

— the Government of Canada has issued a travel advisory asking Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice

— 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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HEALTH/WELLNESS–First Presumptive Cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia; New Prevention Measures

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Nova Scotia announced the province’s first three presumptive cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), today, March 15. The province is also taking further measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The cases are not connected and are travel related. The individuals followed all the proper procedures when they started to feel unwell.

“My thoughts are with the individuals affected and I wish them a speedy and thorough recovery. Now, more than ever, all Nova Scotians must follow public health direction – that’s how we will reduce the spread of this virus in our province,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “We need to work together to protect our most vulnerable.”

Two individuals are in the Halifax Regional Municipality and one is in Kings County. All three are managing their symptoms at home in self-isolation. Details include:

— a female in her 60’s, who returned to Halifax from Australia on March 8.

— a male in his late 50’s, who recently attended a conference in California and returned to Halifax on March 13.

— a male in his 30’s, who returned to Halifax on March 10 following travel throughout Europe.     

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

Additional prevention measures for Nova Scotians are in effect immediately under the authority of the Health Protection Act and include:

–long-term care facilities closed to visitors effectively immediately

— public schools closed for two weeks following March Break (weeks of March 23 and March 30) and then will be reassessed

— regulated child care centres closed March 17 to April 3 and then will be reassessed

— March break camps cancelled

— casinos in Halifax and Sydney are closed as of 12 am March 16 and bar owners can no longer operating VLTs

— anyone who travelled outside of Canada must self-isolate even if symptom-free

— organizations and businesses must practise social distancing of two metres or six feet and keep gatherings below 150 or much smaller if possible. This applies to restaurants, bars, movie theatres and other gathering spots

Starting Monday, March 16, public health inspectors will be onsite at the Halifax International Airport and the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport. Work is ongoing with federal partners responsible for border security to strengthen the screening process. As well, both airports now have information on digital screens in all areas frequented by travellers.

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

Quick Facts:

— as of March 15, Nova Scotia has completed 418 tests for COVID-19, with 415 negative results and 3 presumptive positive cases. Testing numbers are updated daily at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus

— the Government of Canada has issued a travel advisory asking Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice.

— anyone who has travelled outside of Canada or has been in close contact with someone who has and are experiencing fever (above 38C) or cough should complete the online questionnaire to see whether you need to call 811. The online questionnaire can be found at: 811.novascotia.ca

— 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 –the public school system will be investigating virtual schools focused on essential curriculum to ensure Grade 12 students can graduate

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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We now recognize that mental health issues affect at least one in five Canadians. This estimate includes individuals in the paid workforce and we also recognize the significant personal and organizational costs that are attributable to mental health issues. As a result of public awareness campaigns many organizations have implement mental health strategies that are, for the most part, focused on raising awareness of mental health issues. It is now clear that a more comprehensive and effective approach requires organizational responses aimed at [a] prevention (e.g., stress reduction), [b] intervention (e.g., providing assistance) and [c] accommodation (e.g., helping individuals through crisis). It is equally clear that organizational leaders play a key role in each of these initiatives.

You will learn:

– the three main constituents of workplace mental health programming (prevention, intervention, accommodation)

– the role of leaders in each of these three areas

– effective leadership strategies to assist employees through prevention, intervention and accommodation

Take-home messages:

– It is absolutely clear that mental health issues are management issues

– Mental issues manifest in the workplace and need to be recognized and dealt with

Webinar Date/Time: Tue, Feb 18, 2020 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM AST

Click here to register

PSHSA is excited to announce that the national workplace violence and harassment research we conducted on behalf of the CSA Group is now available online.  Below is the link to the research report in case you are interested in reviewing it.  Thank you also to those who contributed. You can find the research report here.