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I hope everyone is enjoying this snowy weekend. It finally feels like winter, and I for one am pretty happy about it.
Unfortunately, this week we’ve seen a case in schools after months of quiet, as well as a few unexplained cases for the first time since the fall. Combined with the rapid spread of the COVID-19 B117 variant in Newfoundland, public health has given us a timely reminder to stay vigilant about social distancing, limit our social contacts, and if you are out and about to add testing to your routine.
I booked an asymptomatic test at the new winterized Dartmouth General drive-through last week and from booking to results was under 2 days. Simple, relatively painless, and (if you’re seeing a lot of people) generous to the people around you!
Speaking of Newfoundland, starting Sunday, February 21, travellers who are exempt from self-isolation in Nova Scotia but who arrive here by ferry from Newfoundland and Labrador will be required to get a COVID-19 test.
Now for the good news! We are gaining momentum on the vaccine front. On Monday, February 22, the first prototype community vaccine clinic for Nova Scotians age 80 and older will open at the IWK Health Centre. Individuals invited to this clinic have received an invitation letter to the clinic from MSI. The good news is that this vaccination program will expand to 9 more community-based vaccine clinics starting in March for the same age group and there will also be clinics in Mi’kmaw communities. Nova Scotians over 80 will receive a letter in the mail with instructions to register by phone or online. The clinics will not be for walk-ins, and the clinics themselves cannot book appointments. They will be available to everyone over 80 (in the first phase), and information will be forthcoming on how to register.
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