With case numbers on the rise, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health is worried about community spread.
This comes after three new cases were announced today in the Central zone, with two currently being investigated.
Many of the positive cases they are finding are related to increased socializing and close contacts, said Dr. Robert Strang said at a COVID-19 briefing today.
He notes for the most part, people are following the COVID-19 safety guidelines, but many people are travelling out and socializing more than they should.
“Even if you are living within what is required in the public health regulations, you need to go further to slow down your social activity,” said Strang.
“Spread out the frequency. We can’t have people going out multiple times in a week each time with different people.”
While he understands people are tired of the pandemic and its restrictions, Strang stresses we need to remain cautious.
“Even though there are signs of hope on the horizon, we really have the next two to three months where we really need to stick with this,” he said.
Strang suggests adding regular testing for those who are going out and being social.
“Also if you have more than one single consistent bubble of 10, whether within your family or social groups, please consider adding regular testing to your COVID-19 prevention measures,” he said.
“The greater the number of people you have close contact with, the greater your risk and the more important and frequent your testing should be.”
He also recommended testing be done for anyone who has been at social events with people outside of their normal social bubble of 10, especially if masks weren’t worn. Those tests should be done within a week of attending the event, said Strang.
However for those only going out for groceries, prescriptions, appointments or other essentials, he said testing is not as necessary.
Six more locations have been announced for the upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinics next month, which include sites at St. FX in Antigonish, The Forum in Halifax, NSCC Burridge Campus in Yarmouth, and NSCC Lunenburg Campus in Bridgewater.
Two later clinics in Amherst and Halifax have yet to get a confirmed location.
Those clinics are appointment only and restricted to residents 80 years or older who have an MSI card, and letters have been sent out to those eligible, said Strang.
“People should not contact these individual locations. They are not able to schedule or make appointments,” he said.
“You have to use either the 1-800 line or the website, and people need to have an appointment. Do not come to the clinic without an appointment.”
For the small group of residents who do not have an MSI card, Strang said supports are being set up for them to get a chance to be vaccinated in the near future.
Bookings for vaccinations begin on Monday, and more information on how to book an appointment, as well as clinic locations can be found here.
