Hello, 

You are receiving this message as a part of Nova Scotia’s Drug Harms Alert distribution list. 

We received reports from a community partner today that a substance being sold as cocaine has had positive test results for the presence of fentanyl in the Cape Breton Regional area. 

Location/community of where the drug was used

Cape Breton area, Nova Scotia 

Date and time when the drug was used

Friday March 12 in North Sydney, likely used in other areas in Cape Breton

Name(s) of the drug (i.e. what was assumed to be used)

Cocaine 

Description of the drug and its packaging

Unknown 

How the drug was used

Unknown 

Observed reaction of the drug used

Use of substance produced opioid-like effects; feeling extremely tired after use; nodding off; experiencing opioid withdrawal symptoms. Substance tested positive for fentanyl using a fentanyl test strip. 

No photo of the drug in either area was available. 

Please share through your communication networks (e.g. posters in your service locations, conversations with individual clients, social media posting, etc).

Please also include the following harm reduction messages: 

·        Don’t use alone, if possible. Keep a distance of 2 meters and respect public health measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 if using substances with others. If you have to use alone, call a trusted support person and let them know you are using alone and provide them with your location.

·       Start with a test dose. Start low, go slow. 

·        Have naloxone available, even if you aren’t intentionally using opioids. Naloxone is available for free from most community pharmacies and other community locations, including needle distribution and disposal organizations. For more information about where to get a free naloxone kit and how to use it, visit http://www.nsnaloxone.com/

·       Call 911 in the event of an overdose. Know your rights under the Good Samaritan Act.

NOTE: This distribution list is designed to establish a flexible, low-barrier, community-driven process for communicating unexpected drug use-related harms observed in the community. Information in the alerts is not verified.

The purpose of this list is to receive and communicate community reports of overdose, suspected drug contamination, and other unexpected or elevated drug use-related harms. This list is intended for community-based organizations and health system services who provide front-line services to people who use drugs. If you have any questions, would like to join, or would like to unsubscribe from this list, please send an email to NSDrugAlert@nshealth.ca. 

_____________________________________________________________________________________

To submit a report, please send an email to NSDrugAlert@nshealth.ca with the subject line “Drug Report”. Please include as much of the following information, as possible:

1.      Location/community of where the drug was used

2.      Date and time when the drug was used

3.      Name(s) of the drug (i.e. what was assumed to be used)

4.      Description of the drug and its packaging, especially anything unusual

5.      How the drug was used

6.      Observed reaction of the drug used, especially those that are unusual compared to the expected effect of the drug

7.      Photo of the drug, if possible

When gathering information about a drug, such as taking pictures, please ensure you respect the confidentiality and anonymity of clients and consider safety first. Please do not include confidential or individually identifiable information (e.g. client name or picture).

Tuesday March 16 Drop off full insulin containers, expired medication and old batteries only between 10-11am and 2-3pm thank you.

Covid-19 Second Dose Vaccine Wednesday March 17 at 1pm and Thursday March 18 9-5. Covid-19 Second Dose Vaccine by appointments only. The Millbrook Health Centre will be closed those times.

Some people in Nova Scotia have received emails from Nova Scotia Health indicating that they are part of contact tracing.  Nova Scotia Health (Public Health) does not use email to contact individuals as part of contact tracing.  This is a scam so please do not respond to that type of email.

Date: 01/25/21

Class 1

Reason for Recall: Microbiological – dangerous bacteria

Product(s): Clover Leaf brand Sardines Boneless Fillets – Garlic & Chive in Oil and Sardines
Boneless Fillets – Smoked Jalapeno in Oil

Recall Firm: Clover Leaf Seafoods Corp.

Distribution: Alberta, New Brunswick, Newfound and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Possibly
National, Quebec

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issues public advisories and email notifications
for food recalls for all high-risk food recalls (mainly Class 1) when the product is available for
sale or could be in consumers’ homes.

Food and consumer product recalls are also available at www.healthycanadians.gc.ca

We are encouraging Millbrook community members between the ages of 16-35 or others who have had recent close interactions during social activities to contact 811 at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ to book a COVID-19 asymptomatic (no symptoms) test. Choose the option for those without COVID-19 symptoms on the website. The province announced yesterday that anyone in this age group, or others who have had close interactions through social activities, can get tested. The purpose of this new testing is to detect positive cases in people who do not have symptoms before the virus is spread to their contacts. Asymptomatic testing appointments can be booked until December 13th.

The Millbrook Health Centre will be closed on Thursday, November 26, 2020, from 9:50am to 12:00pm.

Dear Colleagues, Partners and Stakeholders, 

We are so pleased to introduce you to MHAhelpNS.ca!

We want Nova Scotians to be able to access mental health and addictions support where and when they need it. A key way to achieve this is to answer their questions with thoughtful, relevant, and current information at any time. To help make this possible, we have launched a new Mental Health and Addictions Program website. People can use the site to explore information, resources and connect with help whenever they need it, 24/7.

What makes MHAhelpNS.ca so different? At the heart of the website is a wizard tool that guides visitors on a personalized journey. By answering a few short questions about an individual’s interest in visiting the site, they will be able to use free resources, tools, and supportive information. Should they or someone they know need to access care, the website offers accurate, up-to-date information about services, contact information, locations, and other resources in our communities.   We are also pleased that initially some portions of the website are available in French and we will continue to build on this in the coming months.   

To build the site, we listened to Nova Scotians. Individuals, community support groups, health care partners, staff, and clinicians provided great insights. We wanted to ensure visitors to the site had every opportunity to learn more about mental illness, wellness, and harmful substance use. We will continue to add new content over time.

We are appreciative of the funding provided by the Government of Nova Scotia through ACCESS Atlantic. This is a collaboration between the four Atlantic Provinces and Canada Health Infoway, a not-for-profit organization funded by Health Canada. The goal of ACCESS Atlantic is to improve access to digital health services and transform the way health care is delivered. 

This short video will take you on a quick tour of the website’s most unique and helpful features. As we gather feedback and analytics on the site, we will continue to look for opportunities to enhance the content and find new ways to expand how we respond to the needs of individuals, families, and communities.

We welcome your help in spreading the word. Please update any links to our existing site with MHAhelpNS.ca and share this memo regarding the new website with those in your network who may find it useful. 

We look forward to creating new and improved ways to meet the mental health and addictions needs of Nova Scotians.

Kind Regards,  

Sam and Andrew

Sam Hodder

Senior Director, NSHA’s Mental Health and Addictions Program

Dr. Andrew Harris

Senior Medical Director, NSHA’s Mental Health and Addictions Program

Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health for Nova Scotia, announced on May 29, a new gathering limit of 10 and more steps toward reopening the province. 

Premier McNeil said that “this next step to allow people to gather in slightly larger groups is good for our mental health and well-being.”

The new gathering limit of 10 is now in effect. Physical distancing of two metres or six feet is still required, except among members of the same household or family household bubble. 

The limit is the same indoors and outdoors, with an exception for outdoor weddings and funeral services which can have 15 people. 

The gathering limit of 10 people applies to things like social gatherings, cultural activities, religious gatherings, and sports and physical activity. It also applies to businesses whose main function is gatherings, such as theatres, concerts, festivals and sporting activities, and to businesses that are too small to ensure physical distancing.

Other steps being taken include:

• starting June 5, private campgrounds can open for all types of campers. They can only operate at 50 per cent capacity and must ensure public health protocols are followed including adequate distance between campsites

• provincial campgrounds will open to Nova Scotians on June 15, with the reservation line opening June 8. They will operate at a reduced capacity to ensure a minimum of 20 feet between individual campsites 

• pools can start maintenance work to prepare for reopening, likely in time for summer 

• sleepover camps are not permitted this year 

• Effective June 5, most businesses required to close under the public health order can reopen. Businesses must follow public health protocols to ensure physical distancing, increased cleaning and other protective measures for staff and customers. The following can open if they are ready and choose to do so, including: restaurants for dine-in, as well as takeout and delivery, bars, wineries, distilleries and taprooms, hair salons, barber shops, spas, nail salons and body art establishments, fitness facilities, such as gyms, yoga studios and climbing facilities, veterinarians

Other health providers can also reopen on June 5, provided they follow protocols in their colleges’ and associations’ plans, as approved by public health. These include:

• dentistry and other self-regulated health professions such as optometry, chiropractic and physiotherapy

• unregulated health professions such as massage therapy, podiatry and naturopathy

Public health continues to work with the child care sector on a plan to reopen safely. June 15 is now the goal, but the reopening date will be confirmed and shared with Nova Scotians once the plan is fully approved. The primary focus is the safety of children. 

“As we create more opportunities for Nova Scotians to regain some normalcy in their lives, it’s important that we all continue to take protective measures like good hand hygiene, cough etiquette and staying home if you’re sick,” said Dr. Strang.  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 sleeve

·       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 non-essential travel

·       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. 

·       Wear a non-medical mask when it may be difficult to stay 6 feet apart

To date, Nova Scotia has 41,944 negative test results, 1,056 positive COVID-19 test results and 60 deaths. Confirmed cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. Seven individuals are currently in hospital, two of those in ICU. Nine-hundred and eighty-one individuals have now recovered and their cases of COVID-19 are considered resolved. Cases have been identified in all parts of the province. A map and graphic presentation of the case data is available at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/data .

If you have any one of the following symptoms, visit https://811.novascotia.ca to determine if you should call 811 for further assessment: 

• fever (i.e. chills, sweats)

• cough or worsening of a previous cough

• sore throat

• headache

• shortness of breath

• muscle aches

• sneezing

• nasal congestion/runny nose

• hoarse voice

• diarrhea

• unusual fatigue

• loss of sense of smell or taste

• red, purple or blueish lesions on the feet, toes or fingers without clear cause

Nova Scotians can find accurate, up-to-date information, handwashing posters and fact sheets at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus . Businesses and other organizations can find information to help them safely reopen at https://novascotia.ca/reopening-nova-scotia/ .

Quick Facts:

• testing numbers are updated daily at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus

• a state of emergency was declared under the Emergency Management Act on March 22 and extended to June 14

Additional Resources:

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

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

The Mental Health Provincial Crisis Line is available 24/7 to anyone experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, or someone concerned about them, by calling 1-888-429-8167 (toll-free)

The Eskasoni Crisis Line is available by calling 1-855-379-2099.

Kids Help Phone is available 24/7, by calling 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free)

For help or information about domestic violence 24/7, call 1-855-225-0220 (toll-free)

March 29, 2020 2:45 PM

Included below is a news release recently issued by the province outlining the details of 12 new COVID-19 cases; most are connected to travel or a known case. At this point, public health cannot confirm community spread as several cases are still under investigation. As of today, March 29, Nova Scotia has 122 cases of COVID-19. The news release is also available in French at: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20200329002.

A recording of the news conference is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Hjrdb4CKww. A short audio recap from Dr. Strang will be available soon at https://anchor.fm/nsgov .

Please share this information with your staff, board members and stakeholders. We also ask for your support on social media by sharing accurate information from the Department of Health and Wellness and Nova Scotia Government social media channels. Follow them @nshealth and @nsgov on Twitter and https://www.facebook.com/NovaScotiaHealthAndWellness/ and https://www.facebook.com/nsgov/ on Facebook.

Should you not wish to receive these updates, please contact us at covid19info@novascotia.ca to be removed from the distribution list.

Thank you for your interest and ongoing support. --------- NEWS RELEASE COVID-19/HEALTH/WELLNESS--Twelve New Cases of COVID-19 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As of today, March 29, Nova Scotia has 122 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Twelve new cases were identified yesterday. Most are connected to travel or a known case.

Public health is working to identify people who may have come in close contact with the confirmed cases. Those individuals who have been confirmed are being directed to self-isolate at home, away from the public, for 14 days. At this point, public health cannot confirm community spread as several cases are still under investigation.

The 12 individuals affected range in age from under 10 to mid-70s. Three individuals are currently in hospital. Seven individuals have recovered and their cases of COVID-19 are considered resolved. Cases have been identified in all parts of the province.

A non-resident at the Magnolia residential care home in Enfield has tested positive. Residents, their families and staff at the facility have been notified. Public Health is continuing to investigate and is working closely with the facility administrators. While no residents or other staff are showing symptoms, some are now in self-isolation as a precautionary measure and close contacts are being tested. There are no cases of COVID-19 among residents of long-term care facilities in Nova Scotia.

"I am still hearing stories of people driving to our parks and beaches - even though they are closed. Grocery stores packed, groups out playing sports," said Premier McNeil. "These people are the reckless few and not only are Dr. Strang and I upset with them, their fellow Nova Scotians are upset with them. To those reckless few: if you won't do your part to keep physical distance to help flatten the curve, police will do it for you."

To date, Nova Scotia has 4,731 negative test results and 122 confirmed cases.

It is imperative that anyone who has travelled outside Nova Scotia self-isolate for 14 days and for everyone to adhere to the five-person social gathering limit. As always, any Nova Scotian who develops symptoms of acute respiratory illness should limit their contact with others until they feel better. If they are concerned about COVID-19 they can go to https://811.novascotia.ca/ and use the online assessment tool. Anyone referred to an assessment site by 811 will be tested.

"The recent cases in the homes for seniors is a strong reminder that our older population is more vulnerable: They need our help and they deserve our vigilance," said Dr. Strang, Nova Scotia's medical officer of health. "Everyone has to take great care if they know they will be in contact with our vulnerable people, like our seniors and those with autoimmune issues. If you are feeling unwell at all, it is very important that you stay home and maintain social distancing."

If you have travelled outside of Nova Scotia or have 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 .

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 -- a new virus like COVID-19 can cause fear. Nova Scotians are encouraged to support each other and use technology to stay connected Additional Resources: Government of Canada: https://canada.ca/coronavirus Government of Canada toll-free information line 1-833-784-4397 The Mental Health Provincial Crisis Line is available 24/7 to anyone experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, or someone concerned about them, by calling 1-888-429-8167 (toll free) Kids Help Phone is available 24/7, by calling 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free)

March 25, 2020    1:30 PM

Included below is a news release recently issued by the province outlining the details of 17 new COVID-19 cases; all are travel-related or connected to earlier reported cases. As of today, March 25, Nova Scotia has 68 cases of COVID-19. The news release is also available in French at: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20200325002. 

Premier Stephen McNeil and chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang will provide an update today at 3 p.m.

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

A recording of the news conference will be available shortly after it concludes on the NS Gov Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/user/nsgov

Please share this information with your staff, board members and stakeholders. We also ask for your support on social media by sharing accurate information from the Department of Health and Wellness and Nova Scotia Government social media channels. Follow them @nsheath and @nsgov on Twitter and https://www.facebook.com/NovaScotiaHealthAndWellness/ and https://www.facebook.com/nsgov/ on Facebook.

Should you not wish to receive these updates, please contact us at covid19info@novascotia.ca to be removed from the distribution list.  

Thank you for your interest and support. 

---------

NEWS RELEASE:

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

----------------------------------------------------------------

As of today, March 25, Nova Scotia has 68 confirmed cases of COVID-19. 

Seventeen new cases were identified Tuesday, March 24. 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 68 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. Two individuals have recovered and their cases of COVID-19 are 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 2,772 negative test results and 68 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. on https://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

-- A new virus like COVID-19 can cause fear. Nova Scotians are encouraged to support each other and use technology to stay connected

Additional Resources:

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

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

The Mental Health Provincial Crisis Line is available 24/7 to anyone experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, or someone concerned about them, by calling 1-888-429-8167 (toll free).

Kids Help Phone is available 24/7, by calling 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free).

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

You’re invited to an UGLY Sweater XMAS Party!
For more information call Sunshine Bernard Community Wellness Coordinator at 902-895-9468.

Oct 7 - Oct 11, 2019
If any seniors need help moving heavy items, please contact Sunshine Bernard (902) 895-9468