**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Two New Cases of COVID-19
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Two new cases of COVID-19 are being reported in Nova Scotia today, March 7.
The two cases are in Central Zone. One is related to travel outside Atlantic Canada. The person is self-isolating, as required. The other case is a close contact of a previously reported case.
“Seeing a low number of cases today is encouraging. I want to thank everyone for doing their part to remain vigilant,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “Let’s keep up our efforts and continue to follow the public health measures- wear a mask, wash your hands, keep physical distance, stay home if you are feeling unwell, self-isolate when required and get tested regularly.”
As of today, Nova Scotia has 29 active cases of COVID-19.
Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 3,685 Nova Scotia tests on March 6.
Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 247,189 tests. There have been 570 positive COVID-19 cases and no deaths. Two people are currently in hospital. Of those, one is in ICU. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 80. There are 541 resolved cases. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.
“We know how easily COVID-19 can spread if we let our guard down,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “It is up to all of us to follow the public health protocols to make sure we limit the spread of the virus.”
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 March 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/
