**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Two New Cases of COVID-19, Additional Variant Cases Identified
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Two new cases of COVID-19 are being reported in Nova Scotia today, April 14.
One case is in Central Zone and is related to travel outside Canada. The other case is in Eastern Zone and is related to travel outside Atlantic Canada. The people are self-isolating, as required.
Unrelated to the cases announced today, 18 additional UK variant cases have been identified, many of which are now considered resolved. These were previously reported cases. Ten were related to travel, seven were close contacts of previously reported cases and the other case remains under investigation.
This brings the total number of cases of the UK variant in Nova Scotia to 41. The number of South African variant cases remains at 10.
“The variant cases are a reminder of the importance of following all the public health protocols,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “Thanks to the efforts of Nova Scotians, we have been able to contain the variant cases so far, but we know how easily it can spread if we let our guard down.”
As of today, Nova Scotia has 42 active cases of COVID-19.
Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 2,154 Nova Scotia tests on April 13.
As of April 13, 169,851 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 31,583 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.
Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 334,053 tests. There have been 694 positive COVID-19 cases and one death. Three people are in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. There are 651 resolved cases. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.
“While we’re seeing more variant cases being identified in the province, it’s important to understand that most of these cases are related to travel and they are strictly adhering to the public health measures,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “I want to thank Nova Scotians for their continued efforts in preventing the spread of COVID-19.”
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, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador 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 New Brunswick as a result of increased cases of COVID-19 in the province.
Premier Iain Rankin and Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health, announced yesterday, April 13, that restrictions on the New Brunswick border will be reinstated effective 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 15. From then, people coming from New Brunswick will have to self-isolate upon arrival in Nova Scotia and complete the Nova Scotia Safe Check-in form.
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 18, 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/
