Nova Scotia launches novel coronavirus information website

The province has launched a website to give Nova Scotians more information about the novel 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 in a news release.

China has reported 170 deaths since an outbreak emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last month and there are 7,800 confirmed cases in that country.

There have been no cases of coronavirus here in Nova Scotia, and although there are three confirmed cases in Canada, all have been directly linked to China.

There is evidence it can spread from person-to-person, however it is not clear how easily that happens and there has been no transmission of the virus in our country.

“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,” said Strang.

With it being cold and flu season, public health officials recommend the following preventative measures to stay healthy:

• 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