Three New Cases of COVID-19, Additional Variant Cases Identified

The Covid Chronicle

**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release

Three New Cases of COVID-19, Additional Variant Cases Identified
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Three new cases of COVID-19 are being reported in Nova Scotia today, April 15.

Two cases are in Eastern Zone and the other case is in Western Zone. All are confirmed UK variant cases. The people are not in Nova Scotia, but since they are Nova Scotia residents, they are included in the cumulative provincial data. These cases have no known close contacts in Nova Scotia.

This brings the total number of cases of the UK variant in Nova Scotia to 44. The number of South African variant cases remains at 10.

“Today the restrictions on the New Brunswick border have been reinstated,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “Our strong adherence to public health protocols has helped us limit the spread of the virus and it is important that we remain diligent to keep our communities safe.”

As of today, Nova Scotia has 42 active cases of COVID-19.

Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 2,770 Nova Scotia tests on April 14.

As of April 14, 182,867 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 31,998 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.

Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 336,823 tests. There have been 697 positive COVID-19 cases and one death. Four people are in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. There are 654 resolved cases. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.

“By following the public health measures and making testing part of our regular COVID-19 prevention measures we are working to limit the spread of the virus and protect our loved ones,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “It’s very important to wear a mask, wash your hands, maintain physical distance, adhere to the gathering limits and stay home if you are feeling unwell.”

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 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.

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/

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