**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Three New Cases of COVID-19
—————————————————————-
As of today, Feb. 17, Nova Scotia has 14 active cases of COVID-19. Three new cases are being reported today.
The three cases are in Central Zone. One case is related to travel to New Brunswick. The person is self-isolating, as required. The other two cases are under investigation, as more information needs to be gathered.
“Six cases over two days is a low number, but it is the most cases we have seen on consecutive days in close to a month. It is a reminder that COVID-19 is still here, with active cases in every health zone in our province, and that is why we cannot let complacency set in,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “Our public health teams are working hard to contain the virus and we can support them by following all the public health protocols.”
Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 922 Nova Scotia tests on Feb. 16.
As of Feb. 16, 24,049 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 8,830 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.
Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 184,135 tests. There have been 511 positive COVID-19 cases and no deaths. One person is currently in hospital, in ICU. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 70. Four hundred and ninety-seven cases are now resolved. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.
“As we’ve seen in other provinces, the situation can change rapidly. We must continue to remain vigilant and follow public health protocols,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “When you wash your hands, wear a mask, keep physical distance, stay home when you’re sick, isolate when required, and get tested regularly, you are preventing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping yourself, your loved ones and your community safe.”
Nova Scotians are strongly encouraged to seek asymptomatic COVID-19 testing, particularly if they have a large number of close contacts due to their work or social activities. Appointments can be booked at http://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ , by choosing the asymptomatic option. Rapid testing pop-up sites continue to be set up around the province as well. More information on testing can be found at http://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting .
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 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 at http://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/data/
— a state of emergency was declared under the Emergency Management Act on March 22, 2020 and extended to Feb. 21, 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/
