A: If symptomatic, test for COVID-19 at 48 hours from symptom onset using either a PCR or Point of Care Test (POCT, i.e., rapid test).
Switching from PCR to POCT or vice versa is not recommended and does not change guidance based on initial test results.
A: POCT for Continuing Care can be ordered online through the Continuing Care Rapid Testing Ordering page.
A: Important contact information you may require during an outbreak can be found in the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness document A Guide to Respiratory Virus Infection and Outbreak Management in Long-Term Care Facilities.
Advisors from the Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care (DSLTC) represent each zone but are not the first contact for facilities. LTC advisors are available for support once all efforts and resources to support your facility have been exhausted. If required, LTC advisors can be contacted by email Monday thru Friday at LTCAdvisors@novascotia.ca
A: Please see the PDF Recommendations for Deployment of Staff During Viral Respiratory Infections for information from OHSW for deployment of staff from outbreak to non-outbreak facilities.
A: If symptomatic, test for COVID-19 at 48 hours from symptom onset using either a PCR or Point of Care Test (POCT, i.e., rapid test).
Switching from PCR to POCT or vice versa is not recommended and does not change guidance based on initial test results.
A: For the immediate two months (60 days) after initial infection you are considered recovered, PCR (Lab) COVID-19 and rapid antigen (POCT) are NOT recommended. If you develop Influenza Like (ILI) symptoms you should not report to work and should return once symptoms have recovered and you do not have a fever for at least 24 hours.
A: Yes, you are permitted to report to work provided you do not have symptoms.
A: COVID-19 and Flu vaccinations can be booked though the NS Vaccine Booking Page or by calling 1-833-797-7772 (7 days a week, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., excluding holidays) for support.
A: COVID-19 and Flu vaccinations can be booked though the NS Vaccine Booking Page or by calling 1-833-797-7772 (7 days a week, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., excluding holidays) for support.
A: Publicly funded vaccines are available through Primary Care clinics and at select pharmacies. Publicly funded vaccine bookings:
Community Pharmacy Primary Care ClinicsA: You can access the app through YourHealthNS or by scanning the QR code below.
A: Information for various communicable diseases is located at the Communicable Diseases section of this guide.
A: Please review It's the Law: Reporting Notifiable Diseases and Conditions for relevant information regarding a reportable disease or condition.
A: If your facility has a specific IPAC designate you are encouraged to reach out to them directly. IPAC can also be contacted Monday-Friday via phone & email.
Phone (toll-free): 1-833-736-0880
Email: IPAC.LongTermCare@nshealth.ca
Important information may also be located on the Infection Prevention and Control website.
A: Public Health can be contacted via email for each zone.
Northern Zone: PHNZLTCCovid@nshealth.ca
Western Zone: PHWZLTCCovid@nshealth.ca
Central Zone: PHProvincialCOVID@nshealth.ca
Eastern Zone: PHEZLTCCOVID@nshealth.ca
