Some Nova Scotians worried about lack of asymptomatic COVID-19 testing options
There are a little more than 600 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia on Friday.
“There’s lots of cases in daycare centres currently,” says Donna Buckland, who operates a private daycare.
Buckland says the new government policies have removed rapid testing options from childcare facilities.
“I would love to see some better PPE. I’d love to see the KN95 masks at some point for childcare workers.... we are the only industry where our staff work with unmasked and unvaccinated public,” Buckland says.
A statement from Nova Scotia's Department of Health and Wellness states that most workplace testing has been paused, but adds the province's strategy is not written in stone.
The statement goes on to say “the program parameters will be re-evaluated in the context of our broader testing strategy once the current Omicron wave subsides.”
Rapid testing is continuing in correctional facilities, Department of Community Services and funded facilities, and in continuing care.
According to the executive director of the Nursing Homes of Nova Scotia Association, testing is being done, but not as often as previously.
“Rather than test more frequently, we are testing less frequently with twice a week or when required, and we are not using rapid testing for residents. Rather, we are watching for symptoms, monitoring and using PCR testing in those cases,” says Michele Lowe, executive director of Nursing Homes of Nova Scotia Association.
The change in the province's testing strategy is creating some confusion.
Nova Scotia's NDP Leader, Gary Burrill, says his concern isn't so much with the policies of the Department of Health and Wellness, but instead how those policies are being communicated.
“There’s a great responsibility on the government to speak on the issues related to testing with every bit of clarity, consistency, coherency that can be mustered,” Burrill says.
According to Burrill, the core problem with the reduction in rapid testing is the result of a lack of supply provided by the federal government.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.