Emergency departments are full across the country.

A recent report from the Canadian Medical Association says people are waiting 20 hours or more on average.

Nova Scotia Health Minister Michelle Thompson says there are multiple ways to access care.

She says we are in the midst of COVID, flu and RSV season.

“And we can anticipate increased respiratory activity on an annual basis. We immunize in the fall for a reason, because we know these moments are going to happen. It’s important to access the right level of care for the symptoms they’re requiring,” said Thompson.

Thompson points to the YourHealthNS app for navigating health services, or calling 811.

She says the province is always looking to help ER’s.

“Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are being implemented in our regional hospital sites. We’re doing a lot of work to help people in long-term care at hospitals move into communities.”

Thompson says getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, and it’s not too late to get your first dose.