**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Sixteen New Cases of COVID-19
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As of today, Nov. 25, Nova Scotia has 102 active cases of COVID-19. Sixteen new cases are being reported today.
All new cases are in the Central Zone.
“With the new restrictions introduced yesterday, we are asking all Nova Scotians to do more, to dig deeper – to tighten your circles and limit your movement within and outside the province,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “We can stop the spread of Covid-19 in our communities if we work together. Thank you for doing your part.”
Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 1,621 Nova Scotia tests on Nov. 24.
There were 604 tests administered at the rapid-testing pop-up site in downtown Halifax yesterday and one positive result. The individual was directed to self-isolate and has been referred for a standard test.
“The majority of positive cases right now are in young adults from age 18 to 35 and they’re contracting the virus from asymptomatic people in social settings,” said Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health. “While otherwise healthy younger adults are not at the highest risk for severe outcomes, their actions are crucial to protecting those around them who are more vulnerable.”
Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has had 36,384 negative test results, 153 positive COVID-19 cases and no deaths. One person is currently in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 70. Fifty-one cases are now resolved. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.
Visit http://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ to do a self-assessment if in the past 48 hours you have had or you are currently experiencing:
— fever (i.e. chills/sweats) or cough (new or worsening)
Or:
Two or more of the following symptoms (new or worsening):
— sore throat
— runny nose/ nasal congestion
— headache
— shortness of breath
Call 811 if you cannot access the online self-assessment or wish to speak with a nurse about your symptoms.
When a new case of COVID-19 is confirmed, public health works to identify and test people who may have come in close contact with that person. Those individuals who have been confirmed are being directed to self-isolate at home, away from the public, for 14 days.
Anyone who has travelled outside of Atlantic Canada must self-isolate for 14 days. As always, any Nova Scotian who develops symptoms of acute respiratory illness should limit their contact with others until they feel better.
It remains important for Nova Scotians to strictly adhere to the public health order and directives – practise good hand washing and other hygiene steps, maintain a physical distance when and where required. Wearing a non-medical mask is mandatory in most indoor public places.
As of Nov. 23, rules concerning interprovincial travel within Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador have changed. The premiers of all four Atlantic provinces are cautioning against non-essential travel into neighbouring provinces. Starting Nov. 24, all non-essential travel into Prince Edward Island requires a 14-day self-isolation. Starting Wednesday, Nov. 25, all non-essential travel into Newfoundland and Labrador requires a 14-day self-isolation period. These changes will be in effect for two weeks. All public health directives of each province must be followed. Under Nova Scotia’s Health Protection Act order, visitors from outside of Atlantic Canada must self-isolate for 14 days.
Nova Scotians can find accurate, up-to-date information, handwashing posters and fact sheets at http://novascotia.ca/coronavirus .
Businesses and other organizations can find information to help them safely reopen at http://novascotia.ca/reopening-nova-scotia .
Quick Facts:
— testing numbers are updated daily at http://novascotia.ca/coronavirus
— a state of emergency was declared under the Emergency Management Act on March 22 and extended to Nov. 29
— online booking for COVID-19 testing appointments is available for Nova Scotians getting a test at all primary assessment centres or at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax
Additional Resources:
Government of Canada: http://canada.ca/coronavirus
Government of Canada information line 1-833-784-4397 (toll-free)
The Mental Health Provincial Crisis Line is available 24/7 to anyone experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, or someone concerned about them, by calling 1-888-429-8167 (toll-free)
Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free)
For help or information about domestic violence 24/7, call 1-855-225-0220 (toll-free)
For more information about COVID-19 testing and online booking, visit http://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/symptoms-and-testing/
The COVID-19 self-assessment is at http://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/
