Nova Scotia’s Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health Dr. Strang and Premier McNeil recently answered questions about COVID-19 and Nova Scotia’s response on the government’s Instagram account. Below are the answers to common questions such as If I live with someone who is self-isolating, do I need to self-isolate myself? Should I wash my groceries? Can I go for a drive with my family? What happens if you have a custody arrangement? And more. For a up-to-date of COVID-19 resources visit my COVID-19 page here.
Instagram Q&A
Should I be washing my groceries?
Washing your groceries isn’t essential, but we do know that this virus can live on a range of surfaces, and how long depends on the type of surfaces. Certainly it’s not harmful at all to wash groceries whether it’s cans, boxes, etc, with a bleach (1 in 10) solution, and just wipe things down. It’s also important to wash any fresh produce as you normally would. Whether you buy your groceries at the store or get them delivered, washing your hands is essential. There are lots of online resources that can give you great step-by-step instructions if you choose to wash your groceries.
How should I talk to my kids about all of this?
You talk to your children by explaining to them the seriousness of this virus, and telling them there are ways to prevent it. Be kind to each other, be sure to stay away from each other, practice social distancing, and make sure not to hang out in groups. Encourage them to use technology to stay connected with friends, so they don’t feel isolated themselves at home. But I think it’s important to tell them that we can get through this if we follow the advice of public health experts.
What trails can we exercise in?
What I’d say is that you should walk in the neighbourhood that you live in. If you live near a trail, you should walk on that trail, please don’t drive to one. Make sure you’re walking to exercise, not to socialize, and respect social distancing.
Do I need to social distance when I’m out walking with someone I live with?
If you’re living with someone and you’re not required to self isolate, there’s no real need to social distance if you leave you house to, let’s say, go for a walk. You may have to explain to neighbours or those walking by why you’re not six feet apart. But certainly, if you’re out and about and your family members aren’t all six feet apart, you must respect social distancing and stay at least six feet apart from anybody else you come across.
What about the seniors who are isolated from their loved ones?
Well, we’re certainly concerned about isolation for all Nova Scotians but particularly seniors. That’s why it’s so important to reach out. Use all the electronic devices you have, such as your phone and apps like FaceTime, to make sure they are not alone in this difficult time.
If I live with someone who is self-isolating, do I need to self-isolate myself?
So if someone in your home is self isolating, because they’ve travelled or be in close contact of someone carrying the virus, you yourself do not need to self isolate. But you do need to do social distancing and make sure you’re handwashing. But no, you yourself do not need to self isolate.
Can I go for a drive with my family?
Yes, you’re able to go for a drive with your family. But my recommendation would be to go for a walk in your neighbourhood to get some exercise. What we’re really trying to do is prevent people from gathering. Don’t go shopping together, send one person to the grocery store, and keep your kids active in the community while maintaining social distancing. I believe that if we do all of that we’ll be able to flatten to curve and get back to a normal life soon.
What about carpooling?
If you’re carpooling with someone who lives in your house, that’s not any increased exposure. But if you’re carpooling with a neighbour or somebody who doesn’t live in your house, you are not respecting social distancing and you should not be doing that.
Will schools re-open this year? How are we going to keep kids from falling behind?
Well, schools are closed now until May 1st. We’re launched out e-learning program, which will be up next week. We’re very grateful for all the teachers and principals who are working with and ensuring that our kids continue learning. Obviously it’s different, but I think all of us together working hard can ensure all the lessons that needed to be taught this school year can go ahead.
Where are the testing sites?
There are assessment sites across the province. ONLY go if you’ve been referred by 811.
Disinfectants are hard to find. Is soap and water good enough for high touch areas?
Wash high touch services with warm soapy water first. That is good protection. If you can, followed by disinfecting using a household cleaning products (following the directions on the label) or a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water.
How many strains of COVID-19 can there be?
At this time there is no evidence that the virus is able to mutate. Scientists are watching closely on how COVID-19 might change.
If you have a fever and recover, are you still required to self isolate for the full 14 days? Yes. You still need to continue to self isolate until public health lets you when you can discontinue self isolation.
For those without cars, how should they get to testing sites if they need to be tested?
We recommend you take a taxi where you can sit in the backseat to maintain as much physical distance thing as possible. Tell the taxi company that you were going for COVID-19 test and ask for a van if possible.
Best was to access docs for non COVID issues?
Call or email your family doctor to find out what service they can provide.
How to convince our parents to stay home. My mom still goes for drives and gets coffee.
These are challenging times and we know it can be hard on people. If you can, try to talk to your parents about how important social distancing is for preventing the spread of COVID-19. This means staying at home and limiting nonessential trips. As Nova Scotians, we need to be patient and cooperate so we can all get through this.
My roommate is a healthcare worker in direct contact with COVID patients. Am I at risk? Healthcare workers follow strict procedures for protecting themselves while at work. However, it will be critical for you to ensure you are frequently washing your hands, practicing cough etiquette and cleaning regularly. You should also maintain physicaldistance of 2m/6ft away from your roommate.
For students switching to high school next year, how could this affect our learning?
We know this is a challenging time. Students on track to move to the next grade as of the closure will pass. You will have access to e-learning and or at-home learning packages during the closure. If you need more help, you will be able to work with your teacher.
What happens if you have a custody arrangement, do you stick to it or keep the child with one parent?
If possible, develop a plan you both can agree on. If this is not possible consider using an intermediary like a trusted friend or family member for assistance in plan development. If an arrangement cannot be reached you may need to contact a lawyer or NS legal aid.
Is there anything being done right now to fight for help for small businesses?
This is not a standalone program, we will be announcing more supports for businesses in the coming days that compliment federal programs.
If a passenger has an overnight layover in YHZ, can they sleep in a hotel?
Everyone should limit nonessential travel. Once you enter Nova Scotia, you’d need to self isolate for the length of the time you're here. Going straight to a hotel, self isolating there, and then straight back to the airport would be a good way to do that.
Are cloth masks effective?
There are multiple considerations for homemade masks including material, fit, filter and cleaning. There is no evidence that wearing a mask while asymptomatic will prevent infection. The best offence remains frequent hand hygiene and avoiding touching your face.
Why shorten the sport fishing season?
Our decision to delay the sport fishing season is consistent with our closure of parks, beaches and other activities. We must do our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and encourage everybody to stay at home.