MOUNT UNIACKE: After earlier March 17 saying they would not be sending out a COVID19 exposure notification for the Mount Uniacke Pub & Eatery, Nova Scotia Health (NSH) did just that after supper time.
The owner of the Pub & Eatery posted on their Facebook page: “Due to possible exposure of COVID19 in the area we have decided to cancel the St. Patty’s Day party and shut down for a few days until all staff have been tested.”
“There hasn’t been a confirmed exposure. We are taking precautions to make sure our customers and staff stay safe,” the Pub & Eatery said in a updated post on March 17.
Local residents began posting and wondering why there had been no public exposure notification issued by NSH. The Laker News asked NSH about it.
“The decision to send out a public exposure notification considers a number of factors, including what risk there is to the general public, and whether contact tracers feel there are people who they may not be aware of who should be notified,” said spokesman Brendan Elliott. “A decision to do a public release would be done on a case-by-case basis.”
The public exposure notification that was issued reads:
“Regardless of whether or not you have COVID-19 symptoms, those present at the following location on the named date and time are required to self-isolate while waiting for their test result. If you get a negative result, you do not need to keep self-isolating. If you get a positive result, you will be contacted by Public Health about what to do next.
· Mount Uniacke Pub and Eatery (125 Highway 1, Mount Uniacke) on March 12 between 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 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, March 26.
Two locations in Lower Sackville were also issued:
Anyone who worked at or visited the following location on the specified date and times should immediately visit covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ to book a COVID-19 test, regardless of whether or not they have COVID-19 symptoms. You can also call 811 if you don’t have online access or if you have other symptoms that concern you.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 you are required to self-isolate while you wait for your test result. If you do not have any symptoms of COVID-19 you do not need to self-isolate while you wait for your test result.
· Hong’s Kitchen Restaurant & VLT Gaming (584 Sackville Dr., Lower Sackville) on March 13 between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. and March 14 between 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 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, March 28.
· Money Mart (601 Sackville Dr. Unit 1, Lower Sackville) on March 13 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:45 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, March 27.
Please remember: Do not go directly to a COVID-19 assessment centre without being directed to do so. Please book an appointment online and do not go to a pop-up rapid testing location.
Currently, anyone who traveled outside Nova Scotia or PEI is expected to self-isolate alone for 14 days after arriving. If a person returning from non-essential travel outside Nova Scotia or PEI is unable to isolate alone, then everyone in the home where they are self-isolating will have to self-isolate as well.
When Nova Scotia Health Public Health makes a public notification it is not in any way a reflection on the behaviour or activities of those named in the notification.
All Nova Scotians are advised to continue monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms and are urged to follow Public Health guidelines on how to access care. Up to date information about COVID-19 is available at novascotia.ca/coronavirus