PoP Nova Scotia

@popns.bsky.social

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Protect Our Province Nova Scotia is a community-care initiative focussed on reducing COVID transmission through evidence-based mitigation. popns.org Clean Air Library, HRM: bit.ly/HRMcleanair NS reported Covid deaths: https://nsheartstrings.online/

Mask giveaway Saturday, May 16, 2:00 pm Public Gardens, Halifax A brightly coloured background with N 95 masks surrounding the text.
Title page for Protect Our Province Nova Scotia's Statement on Nova Scotia Health's AI chatbot "Nova" February 2026 A Q R code is located in the bottom right corner of the image, which takes you to the website: p o p n s . org
Report cover: Statement on Nova Scotia Health's AI chatbot "Nova" February 2026 Protect our Province Nova Scotia A Q R code in the bottom right corner takes you to the full statement on the website: pop n s . org
A screenshot of the Nova Scotia Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Respiratory Watch Report website. It reads: "Respiratory Watch is a report that summarizes current respiratory pathogen activity across the province." "Nova Scotia Respiratory Watch 2025-26" is underlined in orange because it's the link for the newest reports.
Screenshot from the Nova Scotia Health Enhanced Masking policy, adopted 1 April 2025. The text in the image says: 1. Nova Scotia Health is mask friendly and Team Members, Patients, Essential Care Partners, and visitors are encouraged to mask in all Workplaces at all times. 2. Enhanced masking is required for Team Members, Patients, Essential Care Partners, and visitors when: 2.1. A masking poster is posted at the entrance to a Nova Scotia Health facility, clinical or service area. 2.2. The Enhanced Masking Protocol has been changed and communicated internally and publicly. 2.3. As requested by the Patient or Essential Care Partner, or if they arrive to the appointment masked.
An image from the Nova Scotia Health instagram account. It reads: "Change to masking guidelines Effective Dec. 18, everyone is required to wear a maskin Nova Scotia Health facilities. Let's all do our part to spreadjoy, notrespiratory illnesses, this holiday season."
A screenshot of a Nova Scotia Health instagram post. The text reads: Masking Reminder: Due to increased respiratory illness in the province, Nova Scotia Health is recommending wearing a mask in all health care facilities. If you are experiencing respiratory symptoms, please wait and visit when your symptoms are resolved. If your visit can't be rescheduled, you must wear a mask upon entry.
A screen shot from the IWK Health Patient and Visitor Guide: "All family/support persons are asked to self-screen for illness before visiting IWK Health, please do not visit if you’re feeling unwell. Safety Starting Wednesday, November 12, 2025 masks will be required by all patients, staff, and visitors upon entering the IWK Health facility on University Avenue. Masks must be worn in all public spaces and in all areas where patient care is provided (inpatient & ambulatory settings). Masks will be available at all entrances."
A screenshot of a Nova Scotia Health memo dated May 7, 2025: Effective May 9, masking will no longer be required within clinical areas of Nova Scotia Health facilities. Masking requirements during clinical interactions will be based on a Point of Care Risk Assessment or if deemed required by specific programs/services. Anyone who is symptomatic must don a mask to enter a facility. Signage will continue to be posted at entrances. Those supporting patients at the highest risk of severe outcomes of infection may choose to require masking. Signage and masks should be placed in a visible location for patients and visitors upon entry to the unit. The Nova Scotia Health Respiratory Virus Safety Plan and Masking Guidance has been updated for spring and summer 2025 to reflect these changes. The epidemiology of respiratory viruses in the general population and in Nova Scotia Health facilities will continue to be monitored as we move into the fall months. Further adjustments to masking will be made in response to local epidemiology, which may include a return to universal masking during future seasons of increased viral respiratory activity.
A screen shot from a social media post. it says @ Becky Druhan are seriously considering improving school air quality this summer. athis was the filter... The photo shows an air purifier thickly covered in dust and grime.
Black background with dancing skeletons. Text reads: Pop N S Jr. Halloween party. Saturday, 25th October For more information email: shiralurie@gmail.com Anyone medically able is asked to wear a mask.
What are common symptoms of COVID-19? Common symptoms include one or more of the following: Cough (new or worsening/exacerbation of chronic cough) Fever (chills, sweats) Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Loss or change in sense of smell or taste Sore throat Runny nose/nasal congestion/excessive sneezing Headache Extreme fatigue/tiredness Nausea, diarrhea or vomiting
infographic Reston en bonne santé pour les directeurs d'école et les enseignants. Vous pouvez vous protéger et protéger les autres: Restez à la maison lorsque vous êtes malade; Signaler la maladie Porter un masque bien ajusté; Utiliser un système de filtration de l’air; Ouvrez les fenêtres
Let's stay healthy infographic for parents and guardians. It includes a list of notifiable diseases (covid, whooping cough, flu, strep a, measles, mumps, tuberculosis); why schools matter for infection control as congregate settings; and how to protect yourselves and others (stay home when sick, open the windows, air filtration, wear a well-fitted mask, and report).
A screenshot of the Covid wastewater viral activity in Nova Scotia for every year from 2020 until now. The surveillance epidemiological weeks on the x-axis of the graph starts at week 35, which is the end of August.
A colourful pink and orange background with respirator masks floating around text that reads: "Mask giveaway. Saturday, 6 September, 12 p m. old Memorial Library, Spring Garden Rd."
This image shows a series of gauges with the August 30 to September 12, 2025 Covid Forecast scores for Canada, the provinces, and territories. Read from left to right: Canada: 9.5 - High Alberta: 11.8 - Very High British Columbia: 11.8- Very High Manitoba: 8.3 - High New Brunswick: 8.7 - High Newfoundland and Labrador: 11.1 - Very High North: 9.9 - High Nova Scotia: 9.2 - Very High Ontario: 8.6 - Very High Prince Edward Island: 8.9 - High Quebec 8.8 - High Saskatchewan: 8.7 - High All Covid Forecast input data and sources are available here: (https://covid19resources.ca /covid-hazard-index/)
If you're looking for a way to advocate for a safer school year, download the letter template and infographics for school principals linked through the QR code. A QR code is located on the left. The QR code takes you to the same folder as the link in the post. Joey Fox's Clean Air Watch infographic is on the right.
Where can you get the vaccines for free? • Call 1-833-797-7772 to find a clinic in your area. • Go to a Public Health Immunization Clinic. • Find a Public Health Mobile Unit in your area. • Contact your local Public Health Office (1-800-430-9557 or 902-481-5800). • Contact your primary healthcare provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner). • Make an appointment at a Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinic. Looking Ahead: Respiratory virus season Fall and winter bring respiratory illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. These viruses spread quickly in schools, daycares, workplaces and nursing homes, and can lead to absences, disruptions, and, in some cases, serious illness. Vaccination is key to preventing the impacts of influenza and RSV on the school population. (We highlighted this sentence in the photo of the letter.) Public Health will share more information in the coming weeks on how to access seasonal respiratory vaccines for you and your family. Working together to keep schools healthy Along with keeping your vaccines up to date, here are some things you can do to protect you, your children and the community: • Keep your children home when they are sick, whenever possible. • Practice frequent and proper handwashing. • Teach your children to cough and sneeze into their sleeve or a tissue. • If you or your children are sick, please wear a mask in public settings. Every dose of vaccine is a step toward keeping our children in school and preventing outbreaks in our community. Your attention now will make a real difference in the months and years to come.
The image reads; "PoPNS presents Covid-safer Kids' Soccer. informal practices in Halifax, Summer 2025"
The text on a colourful promotional poster covered in N 95 masks reads: Mask giveaway. Tuesday, July 15, 6:30 p m. Public Gardens, Halifax.
Screenshot from Nova Scotia Health website about measles exposures. It reads: People who were at the following exposure locations at the designated dates and times may have been exposed to measles and should watch for symptoms: Aberdeen Hospital Emergency Department (835 E River Rd., New Glasgow) Saturday, July 5 from 5 p.m.-8 p.m St. Martha's Regional Hospital Emergency Department (25 Bay St., Antigonish) Saturday, July 5 from 10:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. It is important to note that anyone who may have been at an exposure site during these times and is pregnant, immunocompromised, or under the age of 12 months old should contact Public Health immediately (902-752-5151).
R&A (RaceTrac) service station, 9967 Route 6, Stanley Bridge: Saturday, June 21, between 1 and 4 p.m. Charlottetown Bible Chapel, 35 Lincolnwood Dr., Charlottetown: Sunday, June 22, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.; and Sunday, June 22, between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. HomeSense, 1-202 Buchanan Dr, Charlottetown: Sunday, June 22, between 6 and 8:30 p.m.
A poster for the 3rd Canadian Symposium on Long Covid Atlantic Meet Up. Virtual and in-person. Emera Innovation Exchange Conference Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. October 21, 2025.
Assess the risk of COVID-19 transmission in any room or space by asking yourself if it is: 1. Crowded? 2. Close contact (for example, face-to-face conversation)? 3. Confined or enclosed? The more times you answer 'yes', the higher the risk of transmission. This is because a mix of factors affect the risk of someone in a room or space becoming infected with COVID-19, such as: * the amount of COVID-19 virus in the air, which goes up with the number of infected people in the space, the type of activity (silent, speaking, shouting or exertion) and the amount of virus they may be breathing out * the size of the space * the time it takes for new air to replace stale air (the clean air change rate) * the length of time people have been in the room or space. That’s why the risk of transmission is highest where there is an overlap of the ‘3 Cs’.
Postponed! White and pink text that reads: Mask4Mask Chill Outdoor Hang May 31 @ 3pm Public Gardens Family Lawn Area Masks Required (KN94 or better) Free masks available at event The background of the image is a lawn with a pink and white gingham picnic blanket Postponing this to Sunday, June 1 due to rain being forecasted!
The background is white, Across the top there are the Queer Cinema for Palestine, Queer Arabs Halifax, Mask4Mask Queers and Chaverim Inclusive Jewish Community logos, In the middle text reads: Palestine Will be Free. Most of the text is black. The letter i in Palestine and will is a poppy Free is written in green, Black text on the bottom reads: a selection of Palestinian short films for Pride Month. June 19. Bus Stop Theatre. Doors open at 6:15. PWYC. Profits go directly to Palestinian aid. Masks required (KF94 or better), free masks available at the door.
Pink and blue neon letters that read: Mask4Mask Karaoke. A pink neon outline of a mask and music notes. White text that says: June 7, 7:00 - 9:30. PWYC. Halifax Central Common Multi-purpose Room. 5816 Cogswell St Masks Required (KF94 or better). Free masks available at door.
White and pink text that reads: Mask4Mask Chill Outdoor Hang May 31 @ 3pm Public Gardens Family Lawn Area Masks Required (KN94 or better) Free masks available at event The background of the image is a lawn with a pink and white gingham picnic blanket less
Screenshot of a visual representation of the Covid deaths reported by the Nova Scotia government: Each heart represents a Nova Scotian life ended due to COVID19. Red hearts represent lives lost after the provincial government rolled back gathering limits, required mask wearing in public spaces, and other precautions. As of the most recent report from the provincial government (April 26 2025), the total number of Nova Scotians killed by COVID19 is 1,211
Please think of the children (and teachers) Anne McConway I know, no one wants to talk about Covid anymore. But five years after the pandemic began, absence rates due to illness, for staff and pupils, are 40 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels. According to the 2024 GP Patient Survey, an estimated 3.1 million adults in the UK have Long Covid, with another 6.3 million suspecting they have it. We know that Long Covid disproportionately affects education staff, due to increased exposure. Many have been afflicted, some losing their career as well as their health. Contrary to popular belief, Long Covid affects children, too. The latest ONS data show that over 111,000 children have Long Covid (tinyurl. com/tp-CovidEdSector), a figure that doubled between March 2023 and March 2024. So, whose responsibility is it to take action? Well, that’s the problem. Ask the Department for Education (and I have), and they’ll tell you it’s up to individual schools to ensure that indoor air quality meets the expected standards. Ask schools (and I have), and their response is usually: what air quality standards? The result? Indoor air quality in UK schools is terrible; airborne diseases are allowed to spread unchecked, and illness is rife. Predictably, the government’s push for ‘presenteeism’, urging those who are sick to attend school and share their germs, has done nothing to boost attendance. Nor has ramping up fines and threatening parents with criminal records for unauthorised pupil absence. It’s time to go back to drawing board and start focusing on prevention. According to the Department for Education’s own data, illness is the leading cause of staff and pupil absence. Many of the most common infectious diseases are airborne: Covid, influenza, RSV, whooping cough, measles, mumps, chickenpox, and even TB. Aerosol science tells us that good ventilation and HEPA air filters can remove viral particles from the air we breathe (Katz et al, 2025), so why aren’t we using this inform…
A screenshot from the Nova Scotia Health instagram account. An image shows a person who has removed their surgical mask. The text reads: Coming May 9, 2025 Change to masking guidelines. Nova Scotia Health masking update Starting Friday, May 9, masking will not be required when visiting Nova Scotia Health facilities. Some programs and services may still require a mask, for the safety of patients and staff. Please follow the posted signage when you arrive at the clinical area.
Screenshot from Nova Scotia Health website: People who were at the following locations, on the dates and times specified, may have been exposed to measles and should watch for symptoms: Courtyard by Marriott Halifax Downtown, Lobby (5120 Salter St., Halifax) on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Banh Mi A & B (6172 Quinpool Rd, Halifax) on Saturday, April 26 from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Marquee Ballroom/Seahorse Tavern/The Local Restaurant and Bar (2037 Gottingen St., Halifax) on Saturday, April 26 from 10:30 p.m. to Sunday, April 27 at 2:30 a.m. Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department (1840 Bell Rd., Halifax) on Sunday, May 4 from 8:30 p.m. – 11:15 p.m. It is important to note that anyone who may have been at the Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department during these times and is pregnant, immunocompromised, or under the age of 12 months old should contact Public Health immediately (902-481-5824).
screenshot from nova scotia health authority instagram account MMR & MMRV Vaccine Eligibility Infants (6 to 11 months): ◦ If planning to travel, 1 dose of MMR vaccine may be given. • The child will still need two routine doses after their first birthday. Children and Youth (1 to 17 years): • 2 doses of MMRV are normally given at 12 and 18 months • Older children and youth are eligible for 2 catch-up doses if childhood vaccines were missed. Adults (18 to 55 years, born in 1970 or later): • Adults born between 1970 and 1995 were offered only 1 dose as children and another dose is recommended. • Adults born in 1996 or later were offered 2 doses as children. If 2 doses were received, they are fully vaccinated. • Adults are eligible for up to 2 catch-up doses if childhood vaccines were missed. Older Adults (55+ years, born in 1969 or earlier): • Older adults are generally considered immune, but can get a single dose if travelling. This vaccine is FREE for people who are eligible. Check your vaccine records online: vaxrecordns.nshealth.ca Learn more: www.nshealth.ca/measles
A poster that reads: Your Life, Your Photos, Your Story A day in the life of a longhauler. Share your long covid story at the Museum of Vancouver! "A day in the life of a longhauler" is a photography project that captures the daily life of individuals living with long covid to enhance visibility, reduce stigma, and advocate for improved support. Whether you have a long covid diagnosis or are dealing with long-term symptoms following a covid-19 infection, we invite you to share up to six photos from your everyday life which will be showcased at the museum of vancouver in the fall of 2025. Photo submissions will remain open until April 30, 2025. sponsorship logos across the bottom of the poster: Simon Fraser University, OH-HI Science CoLab, Museum of Vancouver, Post-Covid-19 interdisciplinary clinical care network provincial health services authority, Michael Smith Health Research B C
A pink, purple, and blue background with n 95 respirator masks scattered around the text, which reads "mask and test giveaway, Saturday, 5 April, 1:00 p m. Halifax Commons.
Mask and test giveaway. Saturday, 5 April, 1:00 pm Halifax Commons.
A visual representation of the reported Covid deaths in Nova Scotia from 2020 to the present. There are 1,189 hearts representing 1,189 Nova Socitans.
The risk of developing Long Covid is cumulative, and 1 in 5 Canadians have been infected with Covid multiple times.
As of December 2023, about 1 out of every 5 Canadian adults reported long-term symptoms following a Covid infection.
Improving indoor air quality, especially in schools, would provide a significant contribution to the prevention of Long Covid as well as other infectious diseases.
(fig. from Long Covid: a clinical update, The Lancet) Long Covid less likely: No pre-existing conditions, Male Affluent, Initial illness paucisymptomatic or asymptomatic, Less sick (or asymptomatic) in the initial COVID-19 illness, Fully vaccinated and boosted, Was able to rest during the initial illness, Antivirals given promptly during initial illness, No reinfection Long Covid More likely: Pre-existing conditions, Female, Deprived, Initial illness multisymptomatic, More sick (perhaps hospitalised) in the initial COVID-19 illness, Unvaccinated or under-vaccinated, Was unable to rest during the initial illness, No antivirals given during initial illness, Gets recurrent COVID-19
Women are more likely to be primary care-givers for sick family members. Covid is a women's issue.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected the older adult population in long-term care facilities, especially in Canada, where death rates during the first wave were among the highest in the world.” Zhang XS, Charland K,Quach C, Nguyen QD, Zinszer K. Institutional,therapeutic, and individual factors associated with30-day mortality after COVID-19 diagnosis inCanadian long-term care facilities.J Am GeriatrSoc. 2022; 70(11):3210‐3220.
Long-term care residents are disproportionately women. Covid is a women's issue.
“One study identified female gender as a more important factor than education or age for determining occupational exposure to contagious diseases.” Robson, J., Tedds, L., et al. Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women in Canada. Royal Society of Canada. 2022
Occupations that employ women are hit harder by illness and the long-term effects of communicable disease. Covid is a women's issue.
This image shows a series of gauges with the March 1 to March 14, 2025 Covid Forecast scores for Canada, the provinces, and territories. Read from left to right: Canada: 12.7 - Very High Alberta: 10.1 - Very High British Columbia: 9.2- High Manitoba: 9.8 - High New Brunswick: 9.8 - High Newfoundland and Labrador: 9.7 - High North: 11 - Very High Nova Scotia: 11.1 - Very High Ontario: 11.9 - Very High Prince Edward Island: 9.8 - High Quebec 16.4 - Severe Saskatchewan: 9.6 - High All Covid Forecast input data and sources are available here: (https://covid19resources.ca /covid-hazard-index/)
A video that shows the recorded covid deaths in Nova Scotia. 119 shows over a photo of Stephen McNeil, 1055 over a photo of Tim Houston, and the total number 1174 over Dr. Strang. Broken hearts cascade behind all three men.
A video that shows the recorded covid deaths in Nova Scotia. 119 shows over a photo of Stephen McNeil, 1055 over a photo of Tim Houston, and the total number 1174 over Dr. Strang. Broken hearts cascade behind all three men.
A video that shows the recorded covid deaths in Nova Scotia. 119 shows over a photo of Stephen McNeil, 1055 over a photo of Tim Houston, and the total number 1174 over Dr. Strang. Broken hearts cascade behind all three men.
A video clip from the Princess Bride when the Dread Priate Roberts (Cary Elwes) is in a fight with Fezzik (Andre the Giant) and says, in reference to his mask, "It's just that they're terribly comfortable – I think everyone will be wearing them in the future."
A video that shows the recorded covid deaths in Nova Scotia. 119 shows over a photo of Stephen McNeil, 1055 over a photo of Tim Houston, and the total number 1174 over Dr. Strang. Broken hearts cascade behind all three men.
“Our results show that N95 respirators were superior to other face coverings, even when worn by untrained individuals.” Lai J, Coleman KK, Tai SS, German J, Hong F, Albert B, Esparza Y, Rastogi D, Srikakulapu A, Kalliomäki P, Schanz M, Et Al. “Relative efficacy of masks and respirators as source control for viral aerosol shedding from people infected with SARS-CoV-2: a controlled human exhaled breath aerosol experimental study.” EBioMedicine. 2024 Jun;104:105157. doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105157. Epub 2024 May 30.
A valentine with candy hearts, the largest purple heart in the center reads "Masks r love"
A video that shows the recorded covid deaths in Nova Scotia. 119 shows over a photo of Stephen McNeil, 1055 over a photo of Tim Houston, and the total number 1174 over Dr. Strang. Broken hearts cascade behind all three men.
“About 1 out of every 5 Canadian adults reported long-term symptoms following a SARS-CoV-2 infection.” Office of the Chief Science Advisor of Canada. Dealing with the Fallout: Post-COVID-19 Condition and Its Continued Impact on Individuals and Society. Government of Canada (September 2024).
Roses are red, Violets are blue, I'm wearing a mask ‘Cause I care about you A red valentine with two n 95 masks and a number of pink hearts.
A video that shows the recorded covid deaths in Nova Scotia. 119 shows over a photo of Stephen McNeil, 1055 over a photo of Tim Houston, and the total number 1174 over Dr. Robert Strang. Broken hearts cascade behind all three men.
“Long Covid is a complex, multisystem disorder that affects nearly every organ system, including the cardiovascular system, the nervous system, the endocrine system, the immune system, the reproductive system and the gastrointestinal system. It affects people across the age spectrum (from children to older adults), people of different race and ethnicities, sex and gender, and baseline health status.” Al-Aly Z, Davis H, McCorkell L, Soares L, Wulf-Hanson S, Iwasaki A, Topol EJ. Long COVID science, research and policy. Nat Med. 2024 Aug;30(8):2148-2164. doi: 10.1038/s41591-024-03173-6. Epub 2024 Aug 9.