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Happy New Year! I truly hope you were able to take some time to rest and recuperate over the holidays. To retail and restaurant workers, health care workers, and all those who were not able to take a rest: a huge thank you.
We are in the midst of the most contagious strain of COVID-19 that we have seen so far. With the highest case numbers we've ever seen in Nova Scotia, despite the lower percentage of hospitalizations, the numbers are still continuing to climb. Some are questioning the restrictions we've had to re-impose over the holidays. My response is that our healthcare system, which is strained at the best of times, is under enormous pressure. Hundreds of healthcare workers are isolating either with COVID-19 or as close contacts. We need to make sure that our hospitals and acute care systems continue to function. For that reason, we need to maintain the restrictions we have and ensure that people get every vaccine they are eligible for so that if they do contract the illness, the impact is lessened, both on the individual and our healthcare system.
If you're struggling to book your booster or second dose, appointments are coming. Public Health has been consistent in not booking vaccine appointments until the vaccine has actually arrived in Nova Scotia. We are assured that more vaccine will continue to arrive in the coming weeks and appointments and clinics will open accordingly.
The restrictions are difficult, especially with the 2nd anniversary of the beginning of the pandemic on the horizon. People are tired. The goalposts ARE moving because they have to in order to respond to the changing epidemiology and emerging variants.
Why did we change the approach to testing for COVID-19?
With the significant increase of COVID-19 cases in our province and the highly transmissible nature of the Omicron variant, the testing program changed to make sure people get the kind of test that they need. Nova Scotia has finite resources for lab-based testing and a limited supply of rapid tests. Those resources have been reallocated to reflect the current epidemiology. Priority for PCR testing has to be given to people who are most vulnerable to disease and people who are needed to keep our healthcare system running. But Public Health and the Province have said that everyone who needs a COVID-19 test will get one. Rapid testing pop-ups are still happening at Alderney Gate and other locations in HRM. Check the schedule here. If you need a test and can't get one, please let me know.
I can't get information about my test results or whether I was a close contact.
Review the testing and isolation information on the Nova Scotia Health Authority website. It includes directions for close contacts and people who tested positive. If you don’t find the answer to your question there, you can contact the NSHA at 1-800-430-9557 or covidquestions@nshealth.ca. However, they are experiencing high volumes of requests and you may need to rely on the website information to manage your situation while you wait for a reply.
If you're a parent or guardian, or a teacher, student, or staff person navigating this week of online school, I am with you. If your kids are struggling, Kid's Help Phone can be reached at 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text CONNECT to 686868. If your family is in need of resources please don't hesitate to reach out.
Last, I am glad to see that the modular units set up by HRM off of Alderney Drive will finally be open soon. It will not solve the housing crisis, or provide a roof for everyone who needs one, but it is a step forward and will offer some degree of autonomy and stability for people housed there. In the meantime, my colleagues and I will continue to advocate for additional housing, non-market and social housing especially. No one should be without a home in the middle of winter, or at any time.
Warm regards,
Claudia
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