N.S. to set up 6 isolation units to help stop COVID spread in long-term care

Nova Scotia is setting up six regional care units across the province to reduce and manage the spread of COVID-19 in long-term care for seniors.

Theunits, set up within a hospital or nursing home, will be used to isolatethosewho contract the virus.

The province's health minister toldCBC Nova Scotia News at 6the centres will have specialized staff and protocols to offer the best care possible in the event of an outbreak in a nursing home.

"But equally important is to reduce the chance of further transmission in our long-term care facilities," said Leo Glavine

"We know that with multiple cases, COVID is so contagious, spreads quickly, so the isolation into the hub model has proven to be very valuable in the reduction of transmission."

The government said in a news release Thursday it has budgeted up to $6.2 million for theinitiative.

The units will be in the following facilities:

• Ocean View Continuing Care Centre, Dartmouth.
• Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro.
• Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
• St. Martha's Regional Hospital, Antigonish.
• Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville.
• Yarmouth Regional Hospital, Yarmouth.

Theunits will offer long-term care and have access toresources such asoccupational health as well as experts ininfection prevention and control.

"As an organization whose vision is to be the community of choice for Nova Scotians needing support, we feel it's our duty to be a part of this solution," saidDion Mouland, president and CEO ofOcean View Continuing Care Centre, in the news release.

"Through conversation with our team and residents over the past weeks, we have been pleased and proud to hear that they also believe it is our duty to step up in this way. We look forward to continuing to offer exceptional care to our residents and to these new folks who need our support."

The province saidit isfinalizing guidelines on when exactly a resident would betransferred to a regional care unit.

Other long-term care homes may also choose to establish the samemodel for their residents.