**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
One New Case of COVID-19
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One new case of COVID-19 is being reported in Nova Scotia today, March 23.
The case is in Eastern Zone and is related to travel outside Atlantic Canada. The person is self-isolating, as required.
As of today, Nova Scotia has 21 active cases of COVID-19.
Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 1,756 Nova Scotia tests on March 22.
As of March 22, 66,287 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 20,579 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.
Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 282,116 tests. There have been 602 positive COVID-19 cases and one death. No one is in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 80. There are 580 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 New Brunswick and 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 April 4, 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/
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HEALTH/WELLNESS–Update on Nova Scotia’s Immunization Plan
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The province is on track to give every person who wants a COVID-19 vaccine in Nova Scotia their first dose by the end of June.
“We have taken a steady and measured approach to the vaccine rollout so that we have a solid foundation in place to move large amounts of vaccine through clinics in communities across the province,” said Premier Iain Rankin.
Since December 15, 66,287 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 20,579 Nova Scotians have received their second dose. As vaccine supply increases in April and May, so too will the number of locations that will offer it.
The province will have five models of vaccine delivery – community clinics, pharmacy clinics, primary care clinics, outreach clinics and mobile clinics. Two-thirds of vaccines will be offered through pharmacies and physician clinics across the province. By May, the province will be able to administer about 86,000 doses per week.
“We have always said we want to get good, then get fast. Nova Scotia’s growth, in terms of doses in arms, is steady and significant,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “Our goal is to build a high level of population immunity against COVID-19, as fast as possible.”
Health-care workers and staff, and residents of licensed long-term care facilities will be fully vaccinated by the end of April. Most Nova Scotians will continue to receive their vaccine when they become eligible by age and based on anticipated vaccine supply.
All Nova Scotians who are 80 and older are eligible to book their vaccine now.
The following age groups are anticipated to become eligible to schedule an appointment to receive their COVID-19 vaccine in April: 75 to 79, 70 to 74, 65 to 69, 60 to 64, 55 to 59.
The following age groups are anticipated to become eligible to schedule an appointment to receive their COVID-19 vaccine in May: 50 to 54, 45 to 49, 40 to 44, 35 to 39, 30 to 34, 25 to 29.
The following age groups are anticipated to become eligible to schedule an appointment to receive their COVID-19 vaccine in June: 20 to 24, 16 to 19.
Quick Facts:
— 10 community clinics and 15 pharmacies are administering COVID-19 vaccine to all Nova Scotians who are 80 and older
— 25 pharmacies and physician offices are administering the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to Nova Scotians who are 60 to 64 years old
— outreach clinics include vaccination clinics in First Nation and African Nova Scotian communities and shelters across the province
Additional Resources:
More vaccine information: http://www.novascotia.ca/vaccination
