COVID-19 Update April 22, 2020
Two more residents have died at the Northwood long-term care home in Halifax as a result of COVID-19.
Nova Scotia now has now had 12 deaths from the coronavirus.
Thirty-five new cases were announced Tuesday bringing the total number of confirmed cases across the province to 772.
Updates from the province over the past few days show the number of recovered cases is higher than the number of new infections, but Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang cautioned about being too optimistic, too soon.
“If anybody thinks that we can ease up now, they’re mistaken. ‘Cause if we start to ease up now we know that the large majority of the population is still not immune, has not been exposed and we will give COVID-19 a foothold to come back and resurge within our communities.”
Seniors care homes are bearing the brunt of the pandemic with 148 residents and 65 staff at 10 different facilities across Nova Scotia having tested positive for COVID-19.
The microbiology lab at the QEII Health Sciences Centre continues to operate 24 hours a day and completed 849 tests Tuesday.
Ten people are currently in hospital being treated for COVID-19, three of those in ICU.
Nova Scotia has recorded 22,993 negative test results to this point.
Three hundred and thirty-three people have recovered from the virus and their cases are considered resolved.
Premier Stephen McNeil starting the briefing by announcing the province would waive extra dispensing fees on prescriptions.
Many people had complained about the extra cost coming out of their pockets after being asked to fill their prescriptions more frequently to ensure pharmacies wouldn’t see a run on their drug supply.
Beginning Thursday April 23, government will cover the second and third refill dispensing fees for prescriptions typically dispensed for 90 days and will also will also waive the $5.00 prescription co-pay for clients of the Income Assistance program and the Low Income Pharmacare for Children program.
The Premier used his final comments to address the families of those killed in this weekend’s tragedy.
“They are hurting in a way that is unimaginable. I spoke to some of them today and I want to thank them for taking my call and for being so gracious when they are feeling such loss and heartache.””
McNeil praised the families for their composure and announced the creation of Stronger Together Nova Scotia Fund, which will accept donations to provide immediate and long-term support for the families.
The fund will be managed by the Canadian Red Cross. Details are available on their website.
The Premier closed the brief by asking Nova Scotians to support each other.
“While it’s hard to imagine how we will ever get through this, we will. And we will do it together. Because Nova Scotia is stronger together”
Reported by Ed Halverson
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson