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The province is directing public sector workers returning from international travel to self-isolate.
Premier Stephen McNeil announced Friday all health-care workers, teachers, civil servants and other public sector employees returning to Canada must quarantine themselves for 14 days.
McNeil said the province hasn’t seen a confirmed case of Covid-19 yet, but stresses anyone feeling ill needs to stay home to prevent spread.
“This is a public health issue,” he said.
“I don’t think we can stress enough the severity of this virus as it is going around the world. if it is critical for you to venture into that travel, then you need to show us the courtesy when you come back home to self-isolate.”
McNeil said students returning from international travel are also expected to self-isolate, but noted there are currently no plans to close schools following March Break.
“The issue for us is we need to insure that when schools were open, that the isolation period would have happened.” he said.
“So if we closed schools for an extra two weeks, there is no guarantee those kids would be back in Nova Scotia in two weeks prior to the schools opening.”
He also recommended businesses in the private sector follow the same recommendations for their employees.
In addition to the new travel measures, the province is also targeting large gatherings.
They recommend public gatherings be limited to no more than 150 people, and McNeil urged all businesses to follow that protocol, including bars and and entertainment establishments.
Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health notes that large crowds can easily cause the virus spread.
“Whether its a private function, whether its a sporting event or a conference, we are seeing that is where the virus can really take hold and spread. So we are asking people today to look at those practices.”
Strang says they will be continuously assessing the situation as the days go on to see if event or travel bans will need to be put in place in the future.
(With files from Courtney Amirault)
