Public health officials are working closely with colleagues across the country, and partners here in Nova Scotia, to prepare and respond to COVID-19 in Canada.
This new virus hasn’t been seen in humans before and is spreading around the world. The first cases in Canada were reported in January 2020.
On 22 March, the Province of Nova Scotia declared a state of emergency to help contain the spread of COVID-19. The state of emergency will be in effect for 14 days and may be renewed. The emergency order is valid until noon on 5 April 2020.
Nova Scotians should not leave the province and only leave home for essential items and services. If possible, one person per family should be designated to do these tasks. Under the state of emergency:
Nova Scotia borders will tighten to travellers and all entry points (land, sea, air) will be closely managed. Anyone entering the province will be stopped, questioned, and told to self-isolate for 14 days. Exemptions for cross-border travel include healthy workers in trades and transportations sectors who move goods and people (e.g. truck drivers); healthy people going to work (e.g. health-care workers); and people travelling into the province for essential health services (e.g. chemotherapy treatment).
Provincial parks, beaches, and tourist attractions are closed. Provincial trails will remain open for exercise. Gathering limits and social distancing guidelines must be followed.
Police are authorized to enforce orders under the Health Protection Act. If Nova Scotians and businesses do not practice social distancing and self-isolation, they will face fines of $1,000 for individuals and $7,500 for businesses. Multiple fines can be given each day an individual or business fails to comply. Police can also enforce offences under the Emergency Management Act. For example, fines for charging higher than fair market prices for goods and services.
There are several groups who are essential and exempt from gathering limits, but must still maintain social distancing and other public health protocols. They include:
health
food, agrifood and fisheries
transportation, including trucking, rail and transit
construction and manufacturing
IT, telecommunications and critical infrastructure
public services, such as police, fire and ambulances
Law enforcement enforce orders under the Emergency Management Act and Health Protection Act. If you are aware of someone not following provincial direction, have a conversation with them first – they may need help. If a call to police is needed, please call a non-emergency number for the police that serve your community. Do not call 911.
Closures and restrictions
Check the closures page for up-to-date provincial government office and facility closures.
The following restrictions are in place under the Authority of the Health Protection Act:
Gatherings and social distancing
There are to be no social gatherings of more than 5 people.
Any workplace or business that is not deemed essential (or not already required to be closed) can remain open as long as a two-metre (6 foot) distance can be maintained.
Schools and child care
Public schools will be closed for the weeks of 23 March and 30 March.
All licensed childcare providers are required to close (through 3 April inclusive).
Restaurants, bars, and casinos
Restaurants are restricted to take-out and delivery orders only.
All drinking establishments, winery and distillery tasting rooms, and craft taprooms must close; private liquor stores can operate, and craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries can still sell their products from their storefronts.
Casinos in Halifax and Sydney are closed; bar owners can no longer operate VLTs.
Health professions
Regulated health professions can only stay open for emergency or urgent cases or to provide virtual care, excluding doctors, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, nurses and paramedics, as long as they can meet social distancing requirements in their waiting room or other non-clinical areas and follow the cleaning protocol.
Non-regulated health professions (such as naturopaths) must close. One exception is podiatrists who must follow the directive related to regulated health professions.
Other businesses
Personal services, like hair salons, barber shops, spas, nail salons, and body art establishments must close.
All fitness establishments, like gyms, must close.
Long-term care facilities
Long-term care facilities are closed to all visitors.
Other directives from government include:
Employers cannot require a doctor’s note if an employee must be off work.
No tenant can be evicted because their income has been impacted by COVID-19 (effective for next 3 months).
University students from Nova Scotia who are still living in residences need to go home, to provide space for social distancing for those students from outside the province who are not able to travel.
All day programs, supported employment and social enterprise service providers funded through the Department of Community Services’ Disability Support Program have been asked to close.
Nova Scotia Health Authority and IWK Health Centre
Nova Scotia Health Authority has restricted visitors and is suspending some elective and non-urgent appointments and services to contain the spread of COVID-19 and conserve resources. Read more on the NSHA website.
IWK Health Centre has restricted visitors and is suspending all non-urgent appointments and services. Urgent and emergency appointments and services are continuing. Read more on the IWK website.
Travel advisories and self-isolation requirements
The Government of Canada has issued an official travel advisory asking Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice.
The Province of Nova Scotia, under the authority of the Health Protection Act, is requiring anyone who has travelled outside Nova Scotia to self-isolate for 14 days from the day they get back to the province, even if they do not have symptoms. Public health inspectors will be onsite at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport and the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport.
* Positive cases are those found to have a positive confirmation by either the QEII Health Sciences Centre’s Microbiology Lab or the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg.
** Negative cases are those found to have a negative confirmation by either the QEII Health Sciences Centre’s Microbiology Lab or the National Microbiology Lab.
Symptoms of novel coronavirus include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and pneumonia.
The severity can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, infection can lead to death. Current information suggests most people don’t experience severe illness or need to be hospitalized.
What to do if you think you might have come in contact with COVID-19
If you’ve travelled
The Province of Nova Scotia, under the authority of the Health Protection Act, is requiring anyone who has travelled outside Nova Scotia to self-isolate for 14 days from the day they get back to the province, even if they do not have symptoms.
If you’ve travelled recently and you develop a fever and/or new cough, you should call 811 for assessment.
When to call 811
Not everyone who has concerns about COVID-19 needs to call 811. To find out if you need to call, use the COVID-19 online self-assessment.
Testing
Nova Scotia Health Authority has established COVID-19 assessment centres. If you need in-person assessment, 811 will refer you to a centre. Don't go to a COVID-19 assessment centre unless 811 referred you.
If you self isolate
If you are returning from travel outside Nova Scotia, you are directed to self-isolate for 14 days from the day you get back to the province, even if you do not have symptoms.
This means:
go directly home; avoid work, school or other public areas
limit contact with people you live with, if you have symptoms
use a separate bedroom and bathroom, if possible, if you have symptoms
take and record your temperature daily and avoid fever reducing medications (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
call 811 if you have a fever and/or new cough
make plans to have groceries and other supplies delivered
avoid anyone with chronic conditions, compromised immune system or older adults
do not have visitors to your home
do not use public transit/taxi
In your home:
keep shared spaces (e.g. kitchens, bathrooms) clean and well ventilated
use soap and water to clean dishes and utensils after each use
clean door handles, light switches, railings, remotes, and other high-touch areas daily
clean your home and household items with store bought disinfectant or diluted bleach (one part bleach to nine parts water)
wash clothes, and linens using regular laundry soap and water (60-90°C).
do not share personal items (toothbrushes, clothing, towels, drinks, etc.)
if available, use disposable gloves and protective clothing (e.g. plastic aprons) when cleaning anything soiled with bodily fluids
Protect yourself:
wash your hands with soap and water regularly or use hand sanitizer
cough into your sleeve or tissue and discard immediately
do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth
Safe activities if no symptoms (while keeping your distance from others):
There are currently no vaccines available to protect you against the novel coronavirus. Nova Scotians are encouraged to think about what they can do to stay healthy and prevent the spread of any respiratory illness, including COVID-19.
Nova Scotians are required to practice social distancing to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing means limiting your contact with other people – stay about 2 metres (6 feet) apart.
Government is requiring individuals, employers and organizations to limit social gatherings to no more than 5 people.
Avoid:
group gatherings (ex: parties, weddings, funerals, bridge clubs)
visitors in your home
sleepovers and playdates and other social interactions with friends
public spaces (ex: malls, gyms, theatres, crowded stores)
parks
non-essential travel
athletic events
Use caution:
grocery stores
pharmacies
gas stations
essential medical appointments
take out restaurants
public transit
essential travel
Safe activities include:
Spring cleaning
TV, books, music, movies at home
sit on your deck
a walk in your neighbourhood
yard work
cook a meal
Call, message, video chat loved ones
Practise good hand hygiene
Wash or sanitize hands often, particularly:
before and after preparing or eating food
after touching pets
after handling waste, dirty laundry or bathroom use
whenever hands look dirty
after shaking hands
Washing with soap and water is preferred – rubbing hands together removes visible dirt and germs. Use disposable paper towels (preferred) for drying hands, or a reusable towel that is laundered often.
If soap and water aren’t available (and your hands aren’t visibly dirty), use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Use enough to cover the fronts and backs of both hands and between all fingers. Rub hands together until they feel dry.
Use cough and sneeze etiquette
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Dispose used tissues in the garbage and wash your hands, or use an alcohol-based hand rub immediately after.
If you don’t have a tissue, cough and sneeze into your elbow, not your hand.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Clean high-touch surfaces and objects often
Viruses can live on surfaces for several days. Frequent cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces and objects can reduce germs and prevent infection. You should clean at least once a day, or more if needed.
Clean and disinfect items like doorknobs, light switches, railings, toilets and tabletops daily. Wash with soapy water first. Then disinfect using household cleaning products, following the directions on the label, or a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water.
Disinfect phones, remote controls, computers and other handheld devices with 70% alcohol or wipes.
Wash or launder clothing, sheets and towels on a regular basis.
Dispose of garbage on a regular basis. Wash hands after.
Make a plan
Being prepared is good advice any time.
All Nova Scotians should have an emergency kit and basic supplies that you/your family may need for up to 72 hours. Don’t panic buy or stockpile.
Make sure your prescriptions are filled.
Think about what you’ll do if you or member of your family becomes sick and needs care.
Talk to your employer about working from home if you need to self-isolate or care for a family member who is ill.
Communicate with family and friends. Let them know you’re making a plan. Share yours with them. Check in on each other and run essential errand should one of you become ill.
If you become ill, stay home until you are no longer showing symptoms.
Mental well-being
A new virus like COVID-19 can create fear and anxiety. The best ways to address concerns and support each other include:
listen and provide reassurance – it's normal to have questions
get information from reliable sources
address questions and correct misinformation
watch for discrimination or bullying related to COVID-19
maintain normal routines and programming as much as possible
For help with mental health concerns, call 811 or the Mental Health Crisis Line toll-free at 1-888-429-8167.
Advice for employers and community groups
Employers should think about what they can do to help staff stay healthy and prevent spread of any respiratory illness, including COVID-19.
Support your employees if they need to stay home
The Province of Nova Scotia, under the authority of the Health Protection Act, is requiring anyone who has travelled outside Nova Scotia to self-isolate for 14 days from the day they get back to the province, even if they do not have symptoms.
Employers cannot require a doctor’s note if an employee must be off work.
Consider how you can support your employees while they're in self-isolation. Talk with your employees about flexible hours or alternative work arrangements if they are required to stay home.
Consider limiting events
Businesses and community groups are required to limit events and social gatherings to no more than 5 people. This could include events like weddings, religious services, movie screenings and concerts. This will help protect vulnerable Nova Scotians who are at risk for serious illness.
Other steps businesses and community groups can take
As well as following the advice for individuals, businesses and community groups should:
make sure you have a business continuity or emergency plan in place
think about what you’ll do if several of your employees get sick
post handwashing signs and provide alcohol-based hand rub to encourage frequent hand hygiene
make sure spaces and surfaces are cleaned
remove non-essential items like magazines, stuffed toys, and other items that can’t be easily cleaned from reception areas
Help is available for people facing economic hardship because of COVID-19.
The province has made the following announcements to help vulnerable Nova Scotians:
Every individual and family member on income assistance will receive an additional $50 starting Friday, 20 March. People do not need to apply.
$1 million to help Feed Nova Scotia purchase food and hire more staff.
Emergency funding of $230,000 for Senior Safety Programs and Community Links to help vulnerable older adults.
The province has made the following announcements to help businesses:
Government will defer payments until June 30 for all government loans, including those under the Farm Loan Board, Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board, Jobs Fund, Nova Scotia Business Fund, Municipal Finance Corp. and Housing Nova Scotia.
Government will defer payments until June 30 for small business renewal fees, including business registration renewal fees and workers compensation premiums (a list of fees will be posted online early next week).
Changes to the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program, administered through credit unions, include deferring principal and interest payments until June 30, enhancing the program to make it easier for businesses to access credit up to $500,000, and for those who might not qualify for a loan, government will guarantee the first $100,000.
Small businesses which do business with the government will be paid within five days instead of the standard 30 days
Suspending payments on Nova Scotia student loans for six months, from March 30 to Sept. 30 and students do not have to apply
Ensuring more Nova Scotians can access the internet to work from home, by providing $15 million as an incentive to providers to speed up projects under the Internet for Nova Scotia Initiative and complete them as soon as possible
Nova Scotia’s health care system is actively monitoring and detecting potential cases of novel coronavirus. This work includes:
establishing a patient screening process for use by all front-line health care workers
monitoring hospitals for potential cases
applying effective public health and infection control measures
communicating directly with community organizations and universities
sharing accurate, up-to-date information with our partners and Nova Scotians
The province and its health system partners are working to increase capacity within the health system. This includes:
increased testing for COVID-19 -- public health officials have begun testing all close contacts of positive cases
lab capacity is doubling to accommodate increased testing
expanding virtual care for physicians, nurse practitioners and others so they can offer appointments to patients through telephone or video, minimizing the need to leave the house
pharmacists can renew prescriptions for most medications and government will cover the assessment fee
College of Physicians and Surgeons waiving the fee for retired doctors to renew their licences so they can come back to work
811 has increased staff and technology and is now answering 50 per cent more calls; capacity will double again on April 3
enhanced infection control measures at hospitals to protect health-care workers and the public including increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfection, focusing on high-risk areas and high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces and using stronger cleaning products