The province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health says complaints by NSGEU are unfounded.
The union released a statement this afternoon which alleged scarce personal protective equipment and poor infection control practices at Halifax’s Northwood long-term care home.
At Tuesday’s COVID-19 update, Dr. Robert Strang responded.
“They’re using, frankly, fear-mongering and hyperbole, in terms of the way they’re describing the situation. When we talk to frontline people who are in Northwood, what the NSGEU is saying is actually inaccurate,” he said. “They’re creating fear and anxiety where it’s not necessary and that’s inappropriate.”
Dr. Strang said legitimate complaints are handled through their incident management process, and he asked NSGEU reps to submit any complaint they have so it can be resolved.
Meanwhile, the province will now cover extra drug dispensing fees caused by COVID-19.
In March, the government and the Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists recommended prescriptions only be filled to 30 days to protect drug supply.
This led to additional dispensing fees on prescriptions normally filled for longer.
Premier Stephen McNeil said it applies to all pharmacare clients.
“This will help keep a little more money in the pockets while they are protecting the drug supply to ensure that during COVID Nova Scotians can get medications they need.”
Mcneil said they’ll also waive the $5 co-pay for those on income assistance.
Two more COVID-19 deaths have been announced, both at Northwood, bringing the provincial total to 12.
There were 35 new cases announced Tuesday for a total of 772 province-wide.
