The province\u2019s chief medical officer for health has rescinded his approval of a plan that allowed senior Irving officials to travel to the United States.<\/p>\n
Speaking at Thursday\u2019s COVID-19 update with Premier Stephen McNeil, Dr. Robert Strang says after concerns about Irving\u2019s plan were brought forward he decided their precautions did not meet the requirements his department has devised to keep Nova Scotians safe from the spread of COVID-19.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe work that could\u2019ve been done on the trips to the US could\u2019ve been done virtually and they can do the work that is necessary for them to do once they\u2019re back, by doing it at home and staying isolated.\u201d<\/p>\n
Strang says Irving was very cooperative when he explained his concerns.<\/p>\n
He says the executives involved are now self-isolating and working from home.<\/p>\n
In a breath of fresh air from a public official, Strang didn\u2019t hesitate to own up to his change of mind.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf the hundreds of decisions that I make every week on this, I will acknowledge that I may not get everything exactly right. But I\u2019m always happy to go back and learn from my mistakes and certainly, be looking more intensely about how we make sure that we focus only on essential travel into the province where there\u2019s no other alternative.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Strang also addressed the possibility of declaring wearing non-medical masks mandatory when social distancing is not possible.<\/p>\n
He says he will be on a call later Thursday with his federal and provincial counterparts to discuss the legal and social implications of mandatory mask use.<\/p>\n
One of the many discussions Dr. Strang is having is with the administrators of long-term care homes.<\/p>\n
Currently, residents can only receive visitors outside, under supervision and following strict guidelines<\/p>\n
He says everyone involved with the care of seniors is aware the effect isolation is having on residents.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s work going on to relax some of those guidelines and we\u2019re going to be moving in the very near future and bringing that forward publicly.<\/p>\n
Strang was also asked if he felt air travel is safe.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I needed to get on a plane to fly, I\u2019d be wearing a mask and making sure I\u2019m very careful with my hand-washing. If we look at the epidemiology of COVID-19, and we have a lot of experience now, actually flying on a plane has not been shown to be a significant driver of transmission.\u201d<\/p>\n
With his parting remarks before the weekend, Premier Stephen McNeil reminded people the border with the United States remains closed until at least July 21.<\/p>\n
As the province begins its second weekend as part of the expanded Atlantic bubble McNeil encouraged Nova Scotians to get outside and explore their province.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course we\u2019ll have to follow public health protocols. Keep your distance, wash your hands, wear a mask when you can\u2019t distance, especially inside or anytime you want. And with all of that let\u2019s not forget who we are. Let\u2019s be open, let\u2019s be welcoming and above all, let\u2019s be kind.\u201d<\/p>\n