**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Nine New Cases of COVID-19, Another School-based Case, State of Emergency Renewed
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As of today, Nov. 27, Nova Scotia has 119 active cases of COVID-19. Nine new cases are being reported today.
They all are in Central Zone. One new case, identified today, is at Bedford South School, a pre-primary to grade 4 school in Central Zone.
The person was not in school today and is self-isolating. Public health will be in touch with close contacts as part of their ongoing investigation and advise of next steps. Everyone in a class which a confirmed case attended will be tested and is required to self-isolate for 14 days. Bedford South School will be closed for cleaning and contact tracing until at least Wednesday, Dec. 2 (inclusive) at which time more information will be communicated to families. Students will be supported to learn at home.
Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 3,109 Nova Scotia tests on Nov. 26.
There were 1,142 tests administered at the rapid-testing pop-up site in downtown Halifax yesterday and four positive results. The individuals were directed to self-isolate and have been referred for a standard test.
Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has had 40,386 negative test results, 176 positive COVID-19 cases and no deaths. No one is currently in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 70. Fifty-seven cases are now resolved. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.
Today, Nov. 27, ongoing voluntary testing is being introduced to monitor, reduce and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in long-term care. Volunteers, designated caregivers and employees who provide direct care to residents will be tested every two weeks. The ongoing testing will start at three long-term care locations: Northwood, Ocean View and St. Vincent’s and will expand to six more facilities over the next two weeks.
The province is renewing the state of emergency to protect the health and safety of Nova Scotians and ensure safety measures and other important actions can continue. The order will take effect at noon Sunday, Nov. 29 and extend to noon Sunday, Dec. 13, unless government terminates or extends it.
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 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. Starting Nov. 27, unless exempt, travellers entering New Brunswick from Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador are required to self-isolate for 14 days. 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 Dec. 13
— 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/
