Thread by @Tim_Bousquet

Today's COVID briefing, scheduled to start at 1pm, is delayed about 15 minutes, I'm told, so the daily cased update can be completed first.

There are 10 new cases of COVID-19 announced in Nova Scotia today (Tuesday, Feb. 26) 1/

9 of the new cases are in the Central Zone — 5 of those are close contacts of previously announced cases, 3 are under investigation, and 1 is related to travel outside Atlantic Canada 2/

The 9th case is in the Eastern Zone and is related to travel outside Atlantic Canada 3/

There's a data lag, so we don't yet have the # of active cases, people in hospital, or vaccines delivered. When that information is available, I'll let you know. 4/

Nova Scotia Health labs completed 2,797 tests yesterday. From Feb. 19-25, another 1,870 tests were administered at the rapid-testing pop-up sites in Halifax, St. Peter's, New Minas, Port Hawkesbury, and Eastern Passage. 5/

Public Health announces that "Pop-up rapid COVID-19 testing previously scheduled for this weekend at Elmsdale Fire Hall and St. Andrew’s United Church in Halifax are cancelled to support other testing."

I assume we'll get some explanation for that at the briefing.

I'm hearing lots of rumours... but let me say this: in the outbreak in December, centered in Halifax bars, I also heard lots of rumours, and all of them were WRONG. Your neighbour's brother's wife who works in the hospital is a bit of a telephone game, just saying.

Do The Kids Today even know about "the telephone game"? Maybe it's all group texts now?

We're about to start.

Premier Iain Rankin: "our case numbers continue to climb..." repeats new numbers upthread.

Rankin: there appears to be a cluster in the greater Halifax area.

Rankin: new restrictions in HRM area (map on website)

Rankin: starting tomorrow, bars and restaurants must close at 9 (it's now 10), for the next month.

Rankin: Irving has suspended operations.

All employees of the shipyard are being tested.

Travel to and from HRM is restricted.

Also tightened restrictions on nursing homes.

Strang: many cases have no infections source has been found.

Strang: people are socializing as if there is no pandemic.

Strang says there are outbreaks in a variety of HRM communities.

Strang: COVID-19 is a social virus, so we need to limit social activities.

Strang: we impose restrictions so we can protect seniors and keep schools open while having some recreational opportunities.

Strang: "we have done this before, and it worked." We're moving quicker than we did in December. We're trying to avoid what happened in Newfoundland.

Strang: "short-term pain or long-term success"

Strang: starting tomorrow, Halifax area (same basic area as in December) licensed restaurants and bars will stop serving at 9 and close at 10.

Strang: sports games and arts events are not allowed in that area, but practices can continue.

Strang: non-essential travel into or out of HRM should not happen. Essential travel for work, etc, is OK.

I missed an advisory while I was travelling here: "2 Doors Down Food & Wine (1533 Barrington St) on Feb. 20 between 7:30 p.m. & 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 6."

Strang: gyms and hair salons, etc, can keep open with same restricitons.

Strang: we'll continue to monitor, and if numbers continue to climb we'll impose more restrictions.

Strang: we've had good turnouts for testing in the Western Zone, and we're not seeing an increase there.

Starting Monday, rotational workers will be required to have 3 tests after arriving. Others as well (I'll publish a detailed press release when I get it)

Strang: We have had ZERO confirmed influenza, and very little cold, so even if you think you just have a cold, "that could be COVID."

Here's the press release on new restrictions: novascotia.ca/news/release/?…

Strang: Health Canada approved AstraZeneca vaccine. We still haven't been given guidance on that, but soon we'll know.

Strang: if we want these restrictions lifted in 4 weeks, we have to follow the letter and spirit of the restrictions. "Just because you can do something doesn't mean you have to do it... use your common sense."

Strang: we have to stay on top of this "for the next 2 to 3 months."

Strang: pop-up testing is set up at Irving, almost 2,000 workers at that work site.

Strang: there's just 1 confirmed site at the Halifax shipyard, not other Irving facilities.

Rankin is asked about paid sick leave. Rankin: "it's a good point... we'll continue to discuss it."

In answer to my questions, Strang says that Nova Scotia is on schedule to meet it's goals for the # of vaccines received by the end of March, and...

that the vaccination plan will be tweaked to move rotational workers and essential workers forward in the queue so that they will present less of bringing the virus into the province.

Strang: the measures you impose don't change because of the variant, you just have to move quicker and be even more vigilant.

Strang: "avoid people breathing on you"

Strang: we have unexplained cases popping up in multiple communities across HRM that don't appear to be connected. Likely, the virus has been spreading at a low level for a few weeks.

Strang: "there's no doubt that we are stretched right now with our testing resources" but we're increasing staff, etc. We might have to shift people around a bit, hence the closing of the 2 pop-up sites (upthread)

Laroche: when Eden Valley outbreak hit, you ordered the plant closed; why haven't you done that with Irving? Strang: They shut down temporarily. So far, it's only 1 case, so we'll see.

Laroche: what about skiing????? Can I leave the city to go to the ski hill? Strang: I know you're a skier, Jean, but don't leave the city.

Strang: "people have become far too relaxed."

Rankin is a bit stiff, as one would expect for someone new to the job. He'll grow into it, I'm sure.