Eight New Cases of COVID-19

The Covid Chronicle

**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release

Eight New Cases of COVID-19
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As of today, Jan. 13, Nova Scotia has 30 active cases of COVID-19. Eight new cases are being reported today.

Three of the cases are in Northern Zone and are close contacts of previously reported cases.

Two of the cases are in Eastern Zone and are related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada. The people are self-isolating, as required. One of the cases is a student at Cape Breton University in Sydney who lives off campus. The other case is a student at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish who lives off campus.

Three of the cases are in Central Zone and are related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada. The people are self-isolating, as required. One of the cases is a student at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax who lives on campus.

“We are seeing the importance of self-isolation and asymptomatic testing, and I want to thank returning university students for following the protocols,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “We will keep our case numbers low and protect each other if we all continue following the public health measures.”

Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 1,847 Nova Scotia tests on Jan. 12.

Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 133,428 tests. There have been 453 positive COVID-19 cases and no deaths. No one is currently in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 70. Four hundred and twenty-three cases are now resolved. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.

“Thank you to the post-secondary students who have returned to Nova Scotia and are doing their part by self-isolating for the full 14 days,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “Like all Nova Scotians, students have an opportunity to take advantage of free COVID-19 testing, which can be booked online. So far, we have identified eight cases among post-secondary students, all of whom were strictly adhering to the public health measures that are in place to keep our communities safe.”

Post-secondary students returning to Nova Scotia from anywhere except Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador are strongly encouraged to visit http://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ to book a COVID-19 test for day six, seven or eight of their 14-day self-isolation period. COVID-19 testing appointments can be booked up to three days in advance.

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/difficulty breathing

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, the person is directed to self-isolate at home, away from the public, for 14 days. Public health works to identify and test people who may have come in close contact with that person.

Anyone who has travelled from anywhere except Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador must self-isolate for 14 days. As always, anyone 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.

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 and operate 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, 2020 and extended to Jan. 24, 2021
— online booking for COVID-19 testing appointments is available at http://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/

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)

If you need help with a non-crisis mental health or addiction concern call Community Mental Health and Addictions at 1-855-922-1122 (toll-free) weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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/

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