News

COVID-19 Update from the AFN Health Director

Published: March 18 2020 16:23

March 18, 2020

COVID-19 UPDATE (March 18, 2020)

The COVID-19 virus is now in Nova Scotia. We will work with Nova Scotia Public Health to prepare and respond to the virus. There are no vaccines for COVID-19. It is important to remember that most people who get the virus will have mild or moderate symptoms and will not require hospitalization. Good hygiene remains the best defence. Social distancing of 6 feet (2 metres) is also very important.

You are encouraged to:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer; avoid hand shakes; wash your hands before and after preparing food; wash hands after handling waste
  • Cough or sneeze into your inner elbow or a tissue (throw tissue away)
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Avoid sharing items that may have saliva on them like utensils and bottles/glasses
  • Wash and sanitize surfaces like taps, doorknobs, light switches, toilets, and countertops daily
  • Sanitize remote controls, cell phones, phones, and other hand-held devices
  • Avoid close contact – stay 6 feet apart (2 meters); avoid crowds; shop during off-peak hours
  • Limit contact with others if you feel sick

Travel-related:

  • You must self-isolate (stay home) for 14 days after returning from travel outside of Canada and monitor your health for symptoms of COVID-19; limit your contact with the elderly, those with compromised immune systems (e.g. cancer treatments), and those with chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and COPD
  • You must self-isolate (stay home) for 14 days if you have been in close contact (within 2 metres/6 feet) with someone with confirmed COVID-19, or someone with symptoms who has recently returned to Canada and monitor your health for symptoms of COVID-19; limit your contact with the elderly, those with compromised immune systems (e.g. cancer treatments), and those with chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and COPD

Symptoms of COVID-19:

  • Fever above 38°C (100.4°F) or higher
  • New cough (or one that gets worse)
  • Difficulty breathing

If you feel unwell:

  • And develop a new cough or fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) within 14 days of returning from travel outside of Canada or have been in close contact with someone who has travelled or has confirmed COVID-19, immediately self-isolate (stay home) and complete the questionnaire at https://when-to-call-about-covid19.novascotia.ca/en before calling 811 to find out if you need testing for COVID-19.
  • Do not go to a COVID-19 assessment site unless 811 asks you to go there.
  • Do not come to the AFN Health Centre if you have a fever or new cough
  • Avoid close contact with older people, or those with chronic conditions and compromised immune systems.
  • Avoid having visitors to your home.
  • Avoid crowds and standing in line.
  • Avoid public transit like buses and taxis.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with your arm when sneezing or coughing.

For more information on COVID-19, including how to self-isolate, visit canada.ca/coronavirus or novascotia.ca/coronavirus. Or call the Government of Canada’s toll-free information line at 1-833-784-4397. If you feel anxious about COVID-19 and need to talk with someone, call the toll-free Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-888-429-8167.

Marla Robinson-Pyne
Health Director, Acadia First Nation
Yarmouth Health Centre
15234 Hwy 3
Yarmouth NS
B5A4A8
Phone: (902)742-4337
Fax: (902)742-4824

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