Nova Scotia declared a State of Emergency due to COVID-19 on March 22. This means that no crowds of more than 5 people are permitted in public places. Police can now ticket people who do not adhere to social distancing and self-isolation. All citizens in NS, including Millbrook, must listen to and follow instructions given by the authorities.

We will work with Nova Scotia Public Health to prepare and respond to the virus. There are no vaccines for the Novel Coronavirus. It is important to remember that most people who get the virus will have mild or moderate symptoms and will not require hospitalization. But some will become very ill and may die. Those most at risk include the elderly, those with compromised immune systems and those with chronic health conditions. Younger people can also become very ill from this virus and have been hospitalized as a result. Good hygiene remains the best defence. Social distancing of 6 feet (2 metres) is required. Self-isolation is essential if you have travelled outside of Nova Scotia.

You are encouraged to:

· Avoid close contact – stay 6 feet apart (2 meters); avoid crowds; shop during off-peak hours

· Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer; avoid hand shakes; wash your hands before and after preparing food; wash hands after handling waste

· Cough or sneeze into your inner elbow or a tissue (throw tissue away)

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

· Avoid sharing items that may have saliva on them like utensils and bottles/glasses

· Wash and sanitize surfaces like taps, doorknobs, light switches, toilets, and countertops daily

· Sanitize remote controls, cell phones, phones, and other hand-held devices

· Limit your contact with people aged 65 and older, those with compromised immune systems (e.g. undergoing cancer treatment) and those with chronic health conditions (e.g. diabetes, heart disease, COPD)

· Limit contact with others if you feel sick because you cannot be sure that you do not have COVID-19 without testing.

Travel-related:

· You must self-isolate (stay home) for 14 days after returning from any travel outside of Nova Scotia and monitor your health for symptoms of COVID-19.

· You must self-isolate (stay home) for 14 days if you have been in close contact (within 6 feet or 2 metres) with someone confirmed to have COVID-19, or someone with symptoms who has recently returned to Nova Scotia and monitor your health for symptoms of COVID-19.

Symptoms of COVID-19:

· Fever above 38°C (100.4°F)

· New cough (or one that gets worse)

· Difficulty breathing

· Symptoms often develop 5 days after becoming infected, but can develop anywhere from 2-14 days

If you feel unwell:

· And develop symptoms of COVID-19 within 14 days of returning from travel outside of Nova Scotia, or after being in close contact with someone who is confirmed to have COVID-19, immediately self-isolate and complete the questionnaire at https://when-to-call-about-covid19.novascotia.ca/en before calling 811 to find out if you need testing for COVID-19.

· Do not go to a COVID-19 assessment site unless 811 asks you to go there.

· Call the Millbrook Health Centre to talk with a nurse if you develop a new cough or fever above 38°C.

· If you want to be assessed at the Millbrook Health Centre for a fever or new cough, you will be assessed outside in your car; call ahead to request the assessment.

· Avoid close contact with older people, or those with chronic conditions and compromised immune systems.

· Avoid having visitors to your home; avoid gatherings larger than 5 people.

· Avoid public transit like buses and taxis.

· Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer.

· Cover your nose and mouth with your arm when sneezing or coughing.

For more information, including how to self-isolate, visit Canada.ca/coronavirus or novascotia.ca/coronavirus. Or call the Government of Canada’s toll-free information line at 1-833-784-4397. If you feel anxious about COVID-19 and need to talk with someone, call the toll-free Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-888-429-8167 or Eskasoni’s Crisis Line at 1-855-379-2099.

https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/diseases-maladies/covid-19-how-to-isolate-at-home/covid-19-how-to-isolate-at-home-eng.pdf

Chief Bob Gloade
Carla Moore, Director of Health Services