**** HEALTH/WELLNESS- Media Release
Nova Scotia Reports One Death, Three New Cases of COVID-19
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Today, March 18, Nova Scotia is reporting a death related to COVID-19. A woman over 80 has died in Central Zone.
“On behalf of all Nova Scotians, I extend my condolences to the family and loved ones of this individual,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “It’s important that we continue to do everything we can to continue to slow the spread of the virus in our province.”
There have now been 66 COVID-related deaths in Nova Scotia.
“My thoughts are with this woman’s family during this difficult time,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “COVID-19 is still in our province and it continues to be very important for all Nova Scotians to be following the public health measures and advice.”
Three new cases of COVID-19 are being reported today.
The cases are in Central Zone. Two of the cases are close contacts of previously reported cases and the other case is related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada. The person is self-isolating, as required.
As of today, Nova Scotia has 17 active cases of COVID-19.
Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 2,900 Nova Scotia tests on March 17.
As of March 17, 55,176 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 18,983 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.
Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 272,911 tests. There have been 588 positive COVID-19 cases and one death. One person is currently in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 80. There are 570 resolved cases. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.
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/
