More changes announced
Nova Scotia to require non-medical masks on public transportation, eases restrictions on seniors homes
Nova Scotia is further easing visitor restrictions at longterm care homes as the number of active COVID-19 cases in the province remains low.
The changes were announced Friday in a briefing by Dr. Robert Strang, the province's chief medical officer of health, and Premier Stephen Mcneil. The province is also reporting no new COVID-19 cases for the second day in a row.
In the briefing, Strang also said wearing a nonmedical mask will become mandatory on public transportation.
This includes municipal transit buses and ferries, school buses, community transportation vehicles and private taxis and shuttles. The new measure doesn't apply to ferries that sail between provinces.
INDOOR VISITS ALLOWED WITH RESTRICTIONS
In early June, long-term care homes were allowed to resume visits after banning them in response to COVID-19.
But reunions had to be done outdoors. People visiting their loved ones also had to schedule an appointment and maintain physical distancing rules.
“The restrictions that we implemented four months ago were done to protect the physical health of residents and were necessary,” said Strang. “But we know that this isolation has had a toll on the mental and social wellbeing of residents and their families.”
Beginning July 22, the province is allowing five visitors per resident for outdoor visits. Those meeting their loved ones outdoors can choose to stay six feet apart or wear a mask.
Long-term care homes can also resume indoor visits with one visitor at a time per resident.
“For indoor visits, everyone must wear a mask,” said Strang.
In addition to masks, people should maintain good hand hygiene and physical distancing rules.
Residents or their substitute decision-makers can designate up to three people as indoor visitors. The visits will be by appointment at specific locations which will be cleaned before and after each visit.
In both indoor and outdoor visits, close contact with patients is allowed, provided visitors are wearing a mask.
“People can go in and give a brief hug a hand on the shoulder. We understand the importance of that direct physical contact,” said Strang.
Strang said if people are feeling unwell on the day of the visit, they should stay home.
Other restrictions have also been lifted. Long-term care homes will be able, if they choose, to allow: gatherings of residents and staff in groups of 10 or fewer for dining, recreation or socializing, without physical distancing. Groups must be consistent as much as possible. Visitors are not allowed to join those groups.
Off-sight bus trips are now allowed for groups of up to 10 people, including residents, staff and the bus driver. People are not allowed to get off the bus. The opening of licensed hair salons within care homes, serving residents only is now allowed.
NON-MEDICAL MASKS MANDATORY ON TRANSIT
Starting July 24, it will be mandatory to wear a non-medical mask on public transportation. Both passengers and drivers are expected to abide by the rule.
“The evidence on nonmedical masks have evolved throughout the pandemic and our public health direction is evolving with that,” said Strang.
Strang said this step was necessary because buses, which are essential for many people, are a closed environment. There have also been a number of COVID-19 cases linked with being on a bus.
“We are learning that the public wearing non-medical masks is an effective tool in helping prevent the spread of COVID-19,” he said.
People with a valid medical reason, as well as children under two, will be exempt from the policy.
But Strang said there were very few medical reasons for people not to wear a mask. Quoting the Canadian thoracic society, he said: “there's no evidence that a non-medical mask worsens a chronic lung condition, such as asthma or chronic obstructive lung disease.”
He added that for many people, wearing a mask can cause anxiety, but said public health is working to create a resource that can help people overcome this anxiety.
Although masks will be mandatory, Strang said the rule won't be policed.
It's because the purpose of introducing it is to change people's perception of masks and to get them in the habit of wearing and carrying them. He said it will be important when a second wave of the virus comes to have as many people wearing masks as possible.
“This is about doing the right thing, about caring for each other,” he said.
While Nova Scotia is starting by requiring masks on public transportation, it's also looking at the possibility of requiring masks in other environments.
Nova Scotia Health and the IWK Health Centre announced that beginning Tuesday patients and visitors will be required to wear a nonmedical mask.
ACTIVE CASES
As of Friday, July 17, there are two active cases of COVID-19 in the province. There were no new cases reported Friday.
On Thursday, the province reported one new case detected Wednesday, bringing the total of cases reported in July to five. The source of infection remains under investigation by public health.
“This is an important reminder for everyone that COVID-19 is still with us,” said Strang. “We must all remain vigilant and follow public health measures.”
Anyone who experiences symptoms of fever, cough or worsening cough, sore throat, headache, shortness of breath, muscle aches, sneezing, nasal congestion, hoarse voice, diarrhea, unusual fatigue, loss of smell or taste or red-purple or blueish lesions on the feet, toes, or fingers is encouraged to visit https://811.novascotia.ca to determine if a further call to 811 for additional assessment is required.