Surgical masks now mandatory for workers at N.S. long-term care homes

Nova Scotia's Department of Health is making it mandatory for health-care workers in long-term care facilities to wear surgical masks around patients.

The province posted the change in policy on Sunday as several homes grapple with COVID-19.

"For the front-line workers, there has been a lot of anxiety around masks and we contributed to that anxiety. I'm sorry," said Premier Stephen McNeil.

The new rules apply to public and private nursing homes, assisted living and residential-care facilities.

"It's about darn time," said Jason MacLean, the president of the NSGEU, which represents some of the workers. "We've been advocating for this since day one."

McNeil said part of the delay was supply. He said the private sector, local companies and the national procurement program have made a significant difference in lining up enough masks. The premier said he also used his contacts in China to land future shipments.

"We are leaving no stone unturned," he said. "We are feeling confident about our current supply."

McNeil believes there are now enough masks to last until June. By that time, he expects a local company will be up and running and able to manufacture enough supply for Nova Scotia's health-care sector. 

MacLean questioned why if the supply is as advertised, staff who work with residents are being asked to wear one surgical mask per shift. That mask only needs to be changed if it becomes soiled.

"I guarantee you, one mask a day will not work," he said. "I think it's absolutely unrealistic."

The masks don't have to be N95, unless staff are doing specific medical procedures, including bronchoscopy or intubation.

Strain showing

The risk to staff has already caused strain at least one facility.

Dion Mouland, president and CEO of Ocean View Manor in Eastern Passage, N.S., said in a video statement on the home's website that over 40 staff had to be isolated after one resident tested positive for COVID-19. One staff member has since tested positive.

"That presented a huge challenge for us," he said. "Right now, we have over 20 employees that are on home-isolation and cannot come to work for 14 days."

He said the employees include nursing staff and housekeepers.

"Certainly a loss of any role for us can create some significant challenges," Mouland said.

He said they've relied on casual workers, part-timers and VON to help out.

"We've also had some folks in the health system, in the health authority who have volunteered to work for us," Mouland said. "So a huge thank you to those who aren't current employees who have stepped up to come in to help us when we need you the most."

Northwood's numbers double

The policy change also comes as Northwood in Halifax saw a spike in diagnosed cases. Sixteen residents now have COVID-19, double the number from the day before. Ten employees also tested positive.

The residents have been moved to a dedicated isolation floor with a higher staffing ratio. A statement on Northwood's website says they are all in stable condition with mild-to-moderate symptoms.

Earlier in April, Northwood put out a call for donations of masks for employees and residents. 

Dr. Robert Strang, the province's chief medical officer of health, said the situation at Northwood is "very troubling and concerning." He said the facility is following all recommendations, and he has confidence in the way the situation is being handled.

"It is a challenge when you have an infectious disease like this and you have vulnerable residents," he said.

So far, three Nova Scotians have died of COVID-19.

The first fatality was a resident of the Northside Community Guest Home in Upper North Sydney. The woman in her 70s was taken to Cape Breton Regional Hospital where she was diagnosed and later passed away, according to a statement on the home's Facebook page.

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