COVID-19 Update: Schools Stay Closed Until Victoria Day
Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr. Robert Strang
The province has announced three more deaths as a result of the COVID-19 virus.
All three occurred in the Northwood long-term care home in Halifax.
Fifteen new cases of the coronavirus were identified Monday bringing Nova Scotia’s total number to date to 915.
The QEII Health Sciences Centre’s microbiology lab completed 483 tests April 27, well below their capacity.
The Province’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Strang attributes that to a decrease in testing over the weekend.
10 licensed long-term care homes and unlicensed seniors’ facilities in Nova Scotia are dealing with cases of COVID-19, involving 218 residents and 95 staff.
Twelve people are currently in hospital, three of those in ICU.
Nova Scotia so far, has 26,902 negative test results and Dr.Strang says people shouldn’t overlook some of the positive outcomes.
“Fifty-seven percent or 522 of our cases have had COVID-19 and have now recovered. It’s important that we share that good news as well with Nova Scotians.”
Strang cautions people not to think we’re in the clear saying it is still too soon to lift the public health restrictions.
Premier Stephen McNeil announced as part of the slow and steady approach to reopening the province, schools and daycares across Nova Scotia will remain closed until the May long weekend.
“But as of now, we will be sending out another workbook for families to use as a guide to support their kids at home. Then we will make a decision around the rest of the school year at that point.”
Strang says as the conversation turns to trying to return life to normal, what will be considered normal is going to look significantly different for a long period of time.
“This virus is with us for a long period of time and we have to make sure we don’t give the virus a chance to get a stronger foothold, even as we try to lift some of the restrictions.”
Reported by Ed Halverson
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson