HALIFAX -- Another staff member at a Nova Scotia long-term care facility has tested positive for COVID-19.
Northwood is the latest facility to be affected by the virus after an employee at its Halifax campus tested positive for COVID-19.
Two staff members employed with Northwood’s home-care program have also tested positive for the coronavirus.
“We are working with Public Health and the Department of Health and Wellness to complete contact tracing and ensure appropriate measures are put in place,” said Northwood in a statement on its website.
“All known potential staff contacts have been notified and any potential resident contacts are being swabbed and will be on precautions and regularly monitored for symptoms.”
Northwood says all residents, clients and families of those affected by the confirmed cases will be contacted.
A number of Nova Scotia long-term care facilities have confirmed cases of COVID-19, including:
- Arborstone Enhanced Care in Halifax
- Harris Hall in Dartmouth
- Lewis Hall in Dartmouth
- Admiral Long Term Care Centre in Dartmouth
- The Magnolia Continuing Care Community in Enfield
- R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home in Antigonish
Monday, Nova Scotia announced measures aimed at protecting residents of long-term care facilities.
Dr. Robert Strang says he has directed the province’s 132 facilities to follow certain measures to prevent the introduction of COVID-19 into long-term care homes and to reduce the spread if it is introduced into a facility
“Licensed nursing homes and residential care facilities received this directive earlier today,” said Strang during a news conference Monday afternoon. “The measures contained in the directive are effective immediately.”
The measures include:
- Residents must be screened at least once a day -- twice if possible. This includes checking temperatures.
- Staff members will undergo a quick health screen and their temperature will be taken at the beginning of their shift.
- Any respiratory illness must be reported to public health.
- Any new admissions to a facility will require health screening to ensure they haven’t been exposed to COVID-19. If they have, steps will be taken to isolate them.
- Facilities have been given clear directions and instructions in regards to testing and identifying potential contacts of COVID-19 cases.
- The directive also reinforces physical-distancing, enhanced cleaning practices, and restrictions on visitors.
Nova Scotia announced 31 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, bringing the total number of cases in the province to 293.
