Hucksters Try to Profit from COVID Fears
Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer warns people to be wary of hucksters during this time of crisis with the coronavirus outbreak. Dr. Robert Strang says, “Don’t be taken in by people preying on your fears.”
Internet traffic shows a dramatic uptick in people selling masks, rubber gloves, or other health care protective equipment. Strang noted there is no way to gauge the quality or effectiveness of these products.
He said, “Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous people out there who are providing misleading information.” Offers of immune boosters or cures for COVID-19 are simply false.
The doctor says you do not need rubber gloves. Good personal hygiene remains your best defence against the virus. Washing your hands regularly with soap and water, and maintaining a two metre buffer from other people is still the defence of choice.
Strang says this crisis is still in its early stages. He says it will be a number of weeks before officials will begin looking at when and how to scale back restrictions.
In the meantime, the province continues to expand testing and police are now issuing tickets to people who ignore the public health provisions imposed with the state of emergency declared under the Emergency Management Act on March 22, which remains in effect until noon, April 5.
Find accurate, up-to-date information, handwashing posters, and fact sheets at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus.
Testing numbers are updated daily at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus.
Additional Resources: Government of Canada: https://canada.ca/coronavirus, or Government of Canada toll-free information line 1-833-784-4397.
The Mental Health Provincial Crisis Line is available 24/7 to anyone experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, or someone concerned about them, by calling, toll-free, 1-888-429-8167.
Kids Help Phone is available 24/7, by calling, toll-free, 1-800-668-6868.
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