Living with COVID in a Vaccinated World
Nova Scotia is holding back phase five of the provincial reopening plan, insisting on 75% of the population being fully vaccinated.
About 70% are already there and Premier-designate Tim Houston says Nova Scotia health hopes to reach the higher target by September 15th.
The chief medical officer of health says the fourth wave of COVID-19 has already reached the rest of Canada, especially because of the Delta variant. However, Dr. Robert Strang says the situation in Nova Scotia is different. He said, “Right now our caseload is manageable, there’s no sign of community spread, and most of our cases are related to travel or close contact with previous cases.”
Strang cautioned, “It’s only a matter of time before the fourth wave is here in Nova Scotia too. We should expect to see increasing case numbers and even localized outbreaks, largely in unvaccinated groups.”
The doctor says, “The key to getting through the fourth wave is vaccine and I can’t say that strongly enough.” He emphasized, “The more vaccinated we are the less impact a fourth wave will have on people, our health care system, and our economy.”
The premier-designate says rising numbers in New Brunswick require the province to re-impose restrictions for those entering Nova Scotia. Some of the cases found in Nova Scotia during the last week have been directly linked to travellers from our neighbouring province.
Effective Wednesday morning, travellers from New Brunswick must follow the same regulations as those from outside the Atlantic bubble. That means fourteen days of isolation for people with no vaccine or seven days for those with a single dose.
Health leaders hope the 75% vaccination level will soon be achieved, but Strang says lifting of restrictions will not be an instant return to the old days. While masks and other safety measures will no longer be required, public health officials will still strongly recommend the use of masks for indoor gatherings, especially in the fall and winter.
Strang says it will soon be time to live with COVID but only in a vaccinated world.
The photo shows Premier-designate Tim Houston (left) at his first press briefing with Dr. Robert Strang.
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