NS Press Conference - November 13
Today, Premier McNeil and Dr Strang held a press conference to update on COVID-19 in Nova Scotia. Here is the summary:
- 2 new cases today, unrelated to the Clayton Park cluster
- 7 new cases since last briefing on Monday
- Online booking for COVID-19 tests is online today at all primary testing centres and the IWK. The gargle test for children is also available at all primary testing sites.
- I (Strang) am pleased to say I am feeling less anxious about the cluster in Clayton Park as there have been no new cases. We are still not out of the woods yet, but so far so good.
- This is what we expect and plan for with COVID-19 all around us, outside the bubble. Rapid testing, clear border restrictions and following public health measures will be key to reducing our exposure. These efforts will keep us ahead of the expected introduction of the virus in our province.
- The mobile testing facility that was planned for Clayton Park is no longer needed and will not be set up, unless things change.
- If you feel unwell, go online and do the assessment. If you need a test you will be directed to an online booking section for a primary testing site.
- COVID Alert App can help you be aware if you may have been exposed to COVID-19. Please download it. It will alert you if you were within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes, you will be alerted of a potential exposure. It's been downloaded 5M times nationwide so far. Just one more tool to help us fight COVID-19.
- Reminder for people to avoid non-essential travel outside the bubble since nearly all cases are introduced from outside the bubble. If you do travel, be prepared for the 14 day quarantine for the entire household.
- Exempt workers that do not have to quarantine if traveling for work related reasons. They will continue to remain exempt, as is the rest of their household providing none of them have travelled for non-essential reasons. This applies to rotational workers as well, their families do not have to quarantine each time they come home.
- We are working on a testing strategy for rotational workers. We will bring this forward very soon. Testing for a specific group of people makes sense, but testing every single person that comes into NS is just not feasible or realistic, including the limitations of a rapid test.
- Our collective fate is in our own hands. Case numbers are increasing all over the country. We need to do everything we can to avoid that happening anywhere in Atlantic Canada. Please stay COVID safe by continuing to practice public health measures such as distancing, masks and staying home when you're not feeling well. Also, consider how many people you were in contact with each day. In NS, it's not about flattening the curve anymore, it's about getting in front of it. We need to minimize our social contacts, this will determine what happens in NS in the next 6-8 weeks.