**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Three New Cases of COVID-19
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As of today, Jan. 20, Nova Scotia has 23 active cases of COVID-19. Three new cases are being reported today.
One case is in Northern Zone and is a close contact of a previously reported case.
One case is in Central Zone and is related to travel outside Atlantic Canada.
The other case is in Eastern Zone and works on the Marine Atlantic ferry. This case is currently under investigation by public health in close collaboration with Marine Atlantic, as well as public health in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Thanks to the sacrifices of all Nova Scotians, we are managing to control the spread of the virus,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “We can be proud of our efforts, but we cannot become complacent. We need to continue following all the public health protocols.”
Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 1,685 Nova Scotia tests on Jan. 19.
As of Jan. 19, 9,175 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 2,507 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.
Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 146,003 tests. There have been 475 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 fifty-two cases are now resolved. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.
“We are reporting another day where the new case numbers are in the single digits but the virus is still in the province,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “We must continue to follow the public health measures – wear a mask, limit social contacts, practise social distancing, adhere to the gathering limit, stay home if you feel unwell and wash your hands.”
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:
— additional information on COVID-19 case data, testing and vaccines is available on http://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/data/
— 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/
