COLUMN: News and views by MLA Bill Horne – April 2020

Dear Constituents,

COVID-19 is an unprecedented and rapidly evolving situation. During this state of emergency, it is essential that Nova Scotians have access to accurate, up-to-date information, direction and advice.

You can always find the latest facts and materials, including hand-washing posters and fact sheets, at www.novascotia.ca/coronavirus .  As we learn more about  this situation and as it evolves, our materials will be updated.  I encourage you to visit the site frequently.

Below is a letter from Dr. Strang, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Province of Nova Scotia, to all Nova Scotians.  Please continue to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and use the contacts below to receive up to date accurate information. 

Bill Horne, MLA

Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank

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My fellow Nova Scotians, 

COVID-19 is an unprecedented and rapidly evolving situation, and I recognize this is a scary time for Nova Scotians. Public health officials are working closely with our colleagues across the country and our partners in Nova Scotia to limit the spread of the virus and increase capacity within the health system to respond.

During this state of emergency, we must all work together to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Here are important steps we are requiring all Nova Scotians to take:  • Stay home as much as possible.  When you are out, practice social distancing by limiting contact with other people (stay 2 metres (6 feet) apart) and have no more than 5 people together • Shop only for essentials, such as groceries and prescription medication and only have one person doing the shopping • If you’ve traveled outside the province, self-isolate for 14 days  • If you feel unwell, go to 811.novascotia.ca and use the self-assessment questionnaire to find out if you need to call 811  • Wash your hands often, avoid touching your face and clean surfaces regularly. 

I understand that this situation maybe creating a lot of fear.  This is normal.  However, it’s important that we respond, not in fear, but with caring, a sense of community and common sense.  No one person is responsible, but we can all be part of the solution.  If someone in your community is self-isolating or ill, what they need is your support, compassion and understanding. I encourage you to:

 • Check in with those closest to you by phone, text or social media • Have a video chat with someone in isolation • Make sure your neighbours have what they need • Encourage people to get information from reliable sources, like:  www.novascotia.ca/coronavirus 

 Following public health direction and supporting each other is how we will beat this virus. For the latest information, advice and resources, visit:  Government of Nova Scotia:  www.novascotia.ca/coronavirus Government of Canada:  https://canada.ca/coronavirus 

 For general information on novel coronavirus information, call:  Toll-free:  1-833-784-4397

For updates on social media, follow:

Government of Nova Scotia Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nsgov/GovernmentofNovaScotia

Twitter account:  https://twitter.com/nsgov

Department of Health and Wellness Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NovaScotiaHealthAndWellness/DepartmentofHealthandWellness

Twitter account:  https://twitter.com/nshealth

We will continue to provide you with the latest information to help you protect yourself, your family and community members. Thank you for your help in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in our province. 

Dr. Robert Strang

Chief Medical Officer of Health

Province of Nova Scotia