**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Five New Cases of COVID-19
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Five new cases of COVID-19 are being reported in Nova Scotia today, March 13.
Three of the cases are in Western Zone and are close contacts of previously reported cases. Two of the cases are in Central Zone; one is related to travel outside Atlantic Canada and is self-isolating as required and one is currently under investigation.
The case reported in Eastern Zone yesterday is being removed from the cumulative case count, as the investigation revealed the case was previously diagnosed in another province.
“Today’s case count is a little higher, which shows how important it is to continue to follow public health guidelines and get tested,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “I want to thank Nova Scotians for their perseverance and sacrifice over the last year. It is paying off and we can all see that we are making progress.”
As of today, Nova Scotia has 20 active cases of COVID-19.
Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 2,004 Nova Scotia tests on March 12.
Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 262,493 tests. There have been 581 positive COVID-19 cases and no deaths. One person is currently in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 80. There are 561 resolved cases. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.
“I want to remind all Nova Scotians that following the public health measures is the number one thing you can do to limit the spread of COVID-19 and keep yourselves and your community safe,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “We have to continue to stay vigilant – wash our hands, stay home when we are sick, wear a mask, isolate when needed and get tested regularly.”
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/
