COVID-19 Update – December 27
Public Health has not been able to provide an update of positive cases in Millbrook, but once that is available, we will post that information. If you have cold-like symptoms such as a sore or scratchy throat, runny nose, cough or headache, take a rapid test. If you are a close contact of someone who has COVID19, take a rapid test. If you have been to an exposure site at the time of the exposure, take a rapid test. If you get a positive test result (2 lines), contact Chief Gloade or text Dr. Blois at 902-890-2779 for the supports you need. Then book a confirmatory PCR test by calling 811 or go online at https://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting. Isolate right away and notify your close contacts. Please notify Public Health of your positive rapid test by emailing PublicHealthPOCT@nshealth.ca including your name, date of birth, health card number and contact information.
We can all do our part to prevent the further spread of COVID19 in our community. Limit your contacts to the same 10 people in your bubble. Stay home if you have tested positive with a rapid or PCR test. While isolating in your home, wear your mask properly, physical distance from others, eat and sleep in a separate room, keep your hands clean, and sanitize surfaces you touched in your shared bathroom, or use a separate bathroom. Monitor yourself for worsening symptoms. If you notice that you are having difficulty breathing, call 911. For more information about what to do if you test positive, go to https://www.nshealth.ca/testedpositiveforcovid.
How to interpret test results and when you no longer have to isolate -
A negative test is 1 negative PCR test result OR 2 negative rapid tests done at least 48 hours apart.
If you were in contact with a positive case and you had symptoms, you can stop isolating only after you have two negative rapid tests (e.g., 72 hours after exposure and 5 days after exposure).
Fully vaccinated contacts with no symptoms can stop isolating after a first negative rapid test (e.g., 72 hours after exposure), but you need to complete a 2nd rapid test at least 48 hours later (e.g., 5 days after exposure).
Isolating at a hotel – Do not leave your room if isolating at a hotel. Before you check in, call the hotel from your car so that they can prepare for your arrival. You are not allowed to eat breakfast in the hotel breakfast area (a breakfast bag will be delivered to you). For food delivery, ask the deliverer to stop at the front desk to let the hotel know that you are expecting a delivery.
COVID19 Testing Clinic – A COVID19 testing clinic will take place at the Millbrook Community Hall for band and community members on December 27th from 2:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Please get tested. Rapid tests will be available there to take home.
Vaccine Clinic – A COVID19 vaccine clinic will take place at the health centre in early January for those aged 5 and above. Become fully vaccinated (2 doses) and get your booster dose if eligible. The vaccine is safe and helps prevent you from getting hospitalized if you get COVID19.
As we come to the end of 2021, remember to be kind to others and yourselves, avoid shaming people for getting COVID19, help one another through this pandemic, and ask for help when you need it.
Millbrook Chief and Council