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popns.bsky.social
PoP Nova Scotia
@popns.bsky.social
8.4K followers 510 following 1.7K posts
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/
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popns.bsky.social
👋 NS, NB, and PEI:

Starting Wednesday, November 12, 2025 masks will be required by all patients, staff, and visitors upon entering the IWK Health facility.

iwkhealth.ca/patient-and-...

NS Health has not yet decided to practice infection control by requiring masks.
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."
November 10, 2025 at 7:53 PM
popns.bsky.social
Masks have been reinstated in NB, PEI, and NFLD health care facilities. NS Health & the IWK have been completely silent. On May 7, 2025, a memo was sent to Sr. Leadership stating universal maksing might return in response to "seasons of increased viral respiratory activity." We are in that season.
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.
October 29, 2025 at 3:37 PM
popns.bsky.social
In July 2022, a NS teacher shared this photo on social media of a filter from a NS classroom and was harassed to take it down. Nothing has changed since then.
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.
October 25, 2025 at 5:19 PM
popns.bsky.social
We're hosting our Hallowe'en Party on Saturday, October 25 at 1pm! (Rain date is October 26.)

For details, please email: [email protected]

Costumes are encouraged!

Everyone medically able is asked to wear a mask for the event. Masks will also be available at the party!
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.
October 23, 2025 at 12:00 PM
popns.bsky.social
Just a reminder about the common Covid symptoms (from the NS Health website). They haven't changed much since the beginning. You might experience some of these symptoms to varying degrees, and you might not experience all of them at the same time. Stay home, stay hydrated, and rest!
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
October 22, 2025 at 8:07 PM
popns.bsky.social
en français:
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 infographic Reston en bonne santé pour les parents et les tuteurs. 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
October 10, 2025 at 2:48 PM
popns.bsky.social
This is a real problem. Last year we made infographics for NS principals, teachers, and parents about communicable diseases that must be reported to public health. Those resources are downloadable here: drive.google.com/drive/folder...
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). Let's stay healthy infographic for principals and teachers. 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; what constitutes an outbreak; and how to protect yourselves and others (stay home when sick, open the windows, air filtration, wear a well-fitted mask, and report).
October 10, 2025 at 2:48 PM
popns.bsky.social
Yeah, I'll never understand it. Even if we're going to pretend Covid is seasonal, why wouldn't vaccines be available at the start of the season? Like, week 35 is the beginning of the surveillance period each year.
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.
September 16, 2025 at 8:22 PM
popns.bsky.social
Looking for masks? We've got some! We'll be giving away masks on Saturday, September 6 outside the old Spring Garden Road Memorial Library (5381 Spring Garden Rd) at 12 pm.

Check out the Anarchist Bookfair & pick up some sweet respirators! We'll have smaller sizes too, perfect for back to school!
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."
September 3, 2025 at 9:29 PM
popns.bsky.social
As we head back to school, Nova Scotia's Covid Forecast outlook is high and about 1 of every 69 people is infected. You can reduce the spread by staying home when sick, wearing a well-fitting mask, meeting outside when possible, opening windows, and running air purifiers. Take care of each other!
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/) This image describes the Canadian Covid Forecast for August 30 to September 12, 2025 by COVID-19 Resources Canada. Nova Scotia's Covid Forecast outlook is High (no change) with a Covid index score of 9.2 About 1 of every 69 people is infected. Estimated infections this week: 9,650 - 12,975 How much higher are key indicators compared to the lowest point in the COVID pandemic in Canada? Waste water, infections: High; 7.2 X higher Long Covid estimate: High; 7.6 X higher Hospitalizations, ICU: Very High; 10.1 X higher Deaths: Very High; 10.8 X higher
September 2, 2025 at 12:28 AM
popns.bsky.social
If you're looking for a way to advocate for a safer school year, download the letter template and infographics for school principals found in this folder: bit.ly/41xoMgF
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.
August 30, 2025 at 6:06 PM
popns.bsky.social
Hello, Nova Scotia! In preparation for back-to-school some guardians & parents have received a letter from Public Health. We've included a screenshot of part of the letter from the Central Zone. We called for some clarification about vaccine availability because it mentions RSV but not Covid. /1
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.
August 29, 2025 at 3:27 PM
popns.bsky.social
For a second season, PoPNS will be hosting informal Covid-safer kids' soccer practices in the Halifax area!
This is open to any skill level.

If you're interested in learning more, please email [email protected]
The image reads; "PoPNS presents Covid-safer Kids' Soccer. informal practices in Halifax, Summer 2025"
July 12, 2025 at 12:32 PM
popns.bsky.social
Mask giveaway! Tuesday, July 15, at 6:30 pm outside the main gate of the Halifax Public Gardens (Spring Garden Rd & South Park St).

Come say "hi" and leave with some masks!
We'll be there until our stock runs out.
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.
July 12, 2025 at 12:29 PM
popns.bsky.social
Nova Scotia Public Health is investigating a case of measles with additional contacts who are also ill with measles-like symptoms. Exposure sites in New Glasgow and Antigonish.

www.nshealth.ca/news-and-not...
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).
July 7, 2025 at 10:11 PM
popns.bsky.social
Measle exposure sites in PEI, including WestJet flights, from June 21 to June 25:
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. Morell Co-op, 7690 St Peters Rd., Morell: Monday, June 23, between 10 a.m and 1 p.m. Adams Chiropractic, 100 Capital Dr., Charlottetown: Monday, June 23, between 4 and 6:30 p.m. Princess Auto, 15 Saint Dunstan St., Charlottetown: Monday, June 23, between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Ultramar Gas Station, 11302 St Peters Rd., Scotchfort: Monday, June 23, between 5 and 8 p.m. WestJet flight 3540 from Kamloops, B.C. to Calgary: Wednesday, June 25 (departed at 5:50 a.m.) West Jet flight 630 from Calgary to Charlottetown: Wednesday, June 25 (departed at approximately 8:50 a.m.; landed around 4 p.m.) Charlottetown Airport: Wednesday, June 25, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
June 29, 2025 at 12:29 AM
popns.bsky.social
Don't miss the 3rd Canadian Symposium on Long Covid Atlantic Meet Up on October 21, 2025 in St. John's Newfoundland or online!

@popnb.bsky.social @nbcovidinfo.bsky.social @keithmuise.bsky.social @lungnspei.bsky.social @nblung.bsky.social

www.longcovidweb.ca/events/3rd-c...
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.
June 26, 2025 at 4:04 PM
popns.bsky.social
It's likely that Covid cases will rise due to the newest variant, so here's a way to assess risk. Ask if the space is:

Crowded?
Close contact?
Confined or enclosed?

Tips for improving ventilation can be found on the Vic. Dept. of Health, Australia site:
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/covid-19/imp...
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’.
June 19, 2025 at 4:41 PM
popns.bsky.social
The chill outdoor hang at the Halifax Public Gardens is postponed to Sunday, June 1st due to rain being forecasted for Saturday!
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!
May 29, 2025 at 9:42 PM
popns.bsky.social
No Pride In Genocide short film program, June 19, Bus Stop Theatre. Doors open at 6:15pm.

Please note: the films may contain
triggering content regarding violence
against Palestinian people. Some films
include discussions of sex & sexuality
Film program:
queercinemaforpalestine.org/2025/04/18/f...
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.
May 22, 2025 at 1:41 PM
popns.bsky.social
Karaoke!
June 7, 7:00 - 9:30pm. PWYC.
Halifax Central
Common Multi-purpose Room. 5816 Cogswell St.
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.
May 22, 2025 at 1:41 PM
popns.bsky.social
mask4mask queers halifax (IG @mask4mask_queers_hfx) has some upcoming events!

May 31 at 3pm an outdoor hang out at the Halifax Public Gardens family lawn.
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
May 22, 2025 at 1:41 PM
popns.bsky.social
Over 90% of reported Nova Scotia Covid deaths have occurred after protections were removed.
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
May 20, 2025 at 8:53 PM
popns.bsky.social
Co-signed, Nova Scotia.
[with alt-text]
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…
May 16, 2025 at 1:41 PM
popns.bsky.social
Nova Scotia Health has changed the masking guidelines starting tomorrow, Friday, May 9. While they claim to understand wearing a mask helps prevent
the spread illnesses like
flu & Covid, their decision demonstrates a refusal to put knowledge into action.

Masks also prevent the spread of measles.
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 of the rest of the Nova Scotia Health instagram post: We know wearing a mask helps prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like Influenza and Covid. Please do not visit a hospital if you are symptomatic. If you have symptoms such as a cough or difficulty breathing, and you must be at the hospital for an appointment, please be respectful and mask up before entering any facility. Masks will still be available at main entrances. If you were at one of the identified measles exposure locations, or if you have any symptoms of measles; fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, tiny white spots inside the mouth, red rash on the face and spreads to the rest of the body, please call ahead prior to entering a Nova Scotia Health facility. To view the public service announcement with the list of exposure locations and measles symptoms, please visit the link in our bio [E Public Health investigating case of measles in Central Zone I Nova Scotia Health]. less
May 8, 2025 at 6:57 PM