Nova Scotia Health Authority Update

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It’s important for Nova Scotia Health staff and physicians to note that pop-up testing sitesdo NOTreplace swab testing at COVID assessment centres.
 
Occupational Health Safety and Wellness reminds all health care workers and physicians of the following testing requirements for COVID-19:

  • Any health care worker experiencing symptoms of COVID must self-isolate, call 811 to be screened, and call OHSW 1-833-750-0632 for tracking purposes.
  • Any health care worker who was at the noted locations, listed below, during the notification time frame should: 
    • NOT REPORT TO WORK 
      • Immediately self-isolate. Household members are not required to self-isolate if they have not been at the identified location.
      • Notify 811 to arrange for testing. 
      • Contact 1-833-750-0632 for tracking purposes. Select option 5. Please be patient as we are experiencing higher than normal call volumes.
      • These health care workers CANNOT return to work, even with a negative swab, for 14 days after the known exposure.
      • Return to work dates will vary depending on the identified location and are listed below. A health care worker present at more than one location should use the return to work date based on the most recent potential exposure notification.
      • See NEW listings effective today November 28 below. The listing on the COVID-19 Hub will be updated effective November 28, 8 p.m.
  • Any health care worker who was in a bar within the Halifax Regional Municipality after 10:00 p.m. can complete the online assessment tool for an asymptomatic swab. These individuals are NOT required to self-isolate and can return to work while waiting for the swab results.
  • Any health care worker who does not have COVID symptoms, has no known COVID contact, hasn’t worked in a bar after 10:00 p.m., hasn’t travelled, and has no known exposures can get tested at a pop-up site for rapid testing.

 
Public Health is now asking all patrons who were at the following locations to call 811 to arrange for COVID-19 testing, whether they have symptoms or not.
 
Health care workers should ensure they are checking the exposure notifications from Public Health daily and follow all public health guidance including active daily symptom monitoring. 
 

  • Bar Kismet (2733 Agricola Street, Halifax) on Nov. 17 between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. It is anticipated that anyone exposed to the virus at this location on the named date may develop symptoms up to, and including, Dec. 1.Healthcare workers who were at this location are not to report to work until Dec. 2.
  • Boston Pizza (68 Robie St, Truro) on Nov. 17 between 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. It is anticipated that anyone exposed to the virus at this location on the named date may develop symptoms up to, and including, Dec. 1. Healthcare workers who were at this location are not to report to work until Dec. 2.
  • Governor’s Pub & Eatery (233 Esplanade, Sydney) on Nov. 17 between 8 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. It is anticipated that anyone exposed to the virus at this location on the named date may develop symptoms up to, and including, Dec. 1. Healthcare workers who were at this location are not to report to work until Dec. 2.
  • CORRECTION TO DATE *Additional Date* Hermitage Restaurant (1460 Lower Water St, Halifax) on Nov. 17 between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. It is anticipated that anyone exposed to the virus at this location on the named date may develop symptoms up to, and including, Dec. 1. Healthcare workers who were at this location are not to report to work until Dec. 2.
  • Fit4Less Sackville (776 Sackville Dr, Lower Sackville) on Nov. 22 between 9:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.; Nov. 23 between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 24 between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 25 between 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. It is anticipated that anyone exposed to the virus at this location on the named dated may develop symptoms up to, and including, Dec. 9. Healthcare workers who were at this location are not to report to work until Dec. 10.

 
This is an evolving situation and further measures affecting staff may be recommended in the coming days. Given the current situation, we are requesting increased vigilance by staff and leaders about the above existing recommendations and measures. 
 
Thank you 
Occupational Health Safety & Wellness