The Nova Scotia government announced four new deaths related to COVID-19 on Thursday, all of which are connected to long-term care homes.
Three of the deaths happened at Halifax-based Northwood, while the other was at Harbourstone Enhanced Care in Sydney. The new deaths raise the province’s total to 16.
“We want to extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the families and let them know, as they are dealing with this issue, we as a province are struggling with their loss as well,” Premier Stephen McNeil said at a press briefing on Thursday.
COVID-19 is taking a particularly strong toll on long-term care homes in the province. Of the 55 new cases announced Thursday, 24 of them are connected to long-term care homes.
Nowhere has the problem been more significant than at Northwood, where there have now been 11 deaths.
Northwood officials plan to hold a press conference on Monday at 1 p.m. AT to discuss the planning and response to COVID-19.
Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health, said Thursday the majority of Northwood’s 140 COVID-19 cases are mild.
“I don’t at all mean to diminish the serious nature of COVID-19, but for many people, even the frail elderly in Northwood, they are able to, with appropriate health supports, battle off this infection and recover,” he said.
