**** NS Government Media Release

HEALTH/WELLNESS–Information About Coronavirus
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The province has set up a website to provide Nova Scotians with information about novel coronavirus – https://www.novascotia.ca/coronavirus .

“While the risk to Canadians and Nova Scotians remains low, it is important to share accurate information about novel coronavirus,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “I want to assure all Nova Scotians that public health officials here in Canada, and around the world, are working together and that the provincial health system has the necessary screening, testing and infection control protocols in place.”

At this time there are no cases of novel coronavirus in Nova Scotia and no transmission of the virus anywhere in Canada.

As it is flu season, people are reminded of the importance of routine preventative measures to stay healthy. These include:
— frequent handwashing
— coughing and sneezing into your elbow or a tissue
— staying home when you are sick
— avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth
— not sharing items that may have saliva on them
— frequently cleaning surfaces like taps, doorknobs and countertops

Quick Facts:
— the first cluster of novel coronavirus, which produces respiratory infection, was reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019
— there are three confirmed cases in Canada – two in Ontario and one in British Columbia; the risk to Nova Scotians remains low
— there is evidence it spreads from person-to-person, however it is not clear how easily it spreads
— all cases in Canada and internationally have direct links to Wuhan

Additional Resources:
Government of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/coronavirus

**** Info via  the NS Dept of Health

Nova Scotians can be assured that we have well-established provincial response plans in place, and we are actively working with our colleagues across the health system to prepare in the event of possible cases in this province.​

At this point, the risk assessment for Canada and Nova Scotia remains low.​ ​ Following proper hygiene practices will help to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses such as Influenza and Coronavirus.

Frequent hand-washing, covering noses and mouths when coughing or sneezing and staying at home if you are sick is encouraged.​ ​

Nova Scotians can get good, credible information on the 2019 novel coronavirus from reliable sources such as Public Health Agency of Canada and our website https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/

Current situation

As of January 31, 2020, 4 cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) have been confirmed in Canada. On February 4, 2020, the Government of British Columbia reported their second case of 2019 nCoV. The province has forwarded the presumptive positive sample to the National Microbiology Lab (NML) for further testing. If confirmed by the NML, this would be Canada’s fifth confirmed case.

On January 25, 2020, the Government of Ontario reported the first case of 2019 nCoV in Canada. The case occurred in a person who had been in the city of Wuhan in the 14 days prior to becoming ill. Appropriate infection prevention and control measures were followed. On January 27, the Government of Ontario reported that the individual’s wife tested positive for the 2019-nCoV. She has been in self-isolation at home since her husband was identified as a case. Close contacts of these cases will be notified, monitored for signs of illness, and given instructions for what to do if they become ill by local public health authorities.

On January 28, 2020, the Government of British Columbia reported the third case of 2019 nCoV in Canada. The case occurred in a person who had been in the city of Wuhan in the 14 days prior to becoming ill. Appropriate infection prevention and control measures were followed.

How Canada is monitoring the 2019 Novel Coronavirus infection

The Public Health Agency of Canada is working with Ontario and international partners, including the World Health Organization, to actively monitor the situation.

Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer is in close contact with provincial and territorial Chief Medical Officers of Health to ensure that any cases of 2019-nCoV occurring in Canada continue to be rapidly identified and managed to protect the health of Canadians.