**** HEALTH/WELLNESS- Media Release
Five New Cases of COVID-19, One Probable Case of COVID-19
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Five new cases of COVID-19, as well as a probable case of COVID-19 connected to Sackville Heights Junior High School, are being reported in Nova Scotia today, March 26.
The cases are in Central Zone. Two of the cases are under investigation. The other three cases are close contacts of previously reported cases, one of which was the case identified yesterday, March 25, at Millwood High School in Middle Sackville.
In addition to these new cases, the probable case at Sackville Heights Junior High School in Lower Sackville was identified today, March 26. The case is connected to a previously reported case. Based on public health assessment, the probable case is being treated as though it is a lab-confirmed positive to ensure all precautions are taken.
The person was not in school today and is self-isolating. The school will close to allow for deep cleaning, testing and contact tracing, and is expected to reopen to students on Thursday, April 1. Students will learn from home during the closure and families of the school will receive an update on Wednesday, March 31.
As with any positive or probable case, public health will be in touch with any close contacts of this case and advise of next steps. Everyone who is a close contact will be notified, tested and asked to self-isolate for 14 days.
As of today, Nova Scotia has 27 active cases of COVID-19.
Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 2,846 Nova Scotia tests on March 25.
There were 993 tests administered between March 19 and 22 at the rapid-testing pop-up sites in Halifax, New Glasgow and Liverpool.
As of March 25, 83,148 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 23,662 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.
Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 289,822 tests. There have been 615 positive COVID-19 cases and one death. No one is in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 80. There are 587 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.
Nova Scotians are asked to avoid non-essential travel to the city of Edmundston and surrounding communities in New Brunswick as a result of increased cases of COVID-19 in that area.
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/
