**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Fifteen New Cases of COVID-19
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Fifteen new cases of COVID-19 are being reported in Nova Scotia today, April 19.
Eight cases are in Central Zone. Four are close contacts of previously reported cases, one of which was identified Sunday, April 18, at South Woodside Elementary School. Three cases are under investigation, one of which was identified on Sunday at St. Joseph’s-Alexander McKay Elementary School. The other case is related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada.
Six cases are in Eastern Zone. One is a close contact of a previously reported case and the others are related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada.
One case is in Western Zone and is related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada.
The people are self-isolating, as required.
“As we’ve seen in other provinces, the situation can change rapidly. Our public health teams are working hard to contain the virus and we can support them by following all the public health protocols,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “As we are seeing an increase in cases it is important that Nova Scotians get tested for COVID-19. Testing is key to detecting cases early on and limiting the spread of the virus.”
As of today, Nova Scotia has 63 active cases of COVID-19.
Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 1,950 Nova Scotia tests on April 18.
As of April 18, 207,563 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 32,496 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.
Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 345,194 tests. There have been 733 positive COVID-19 cases and two deaths. Two people are in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. There are 668 resolved cases. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.
“The increase in case numbers is a reminder of the importance of the restrictions that are in place to protect the health of fellow Nova Scotians,” said Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health. “We need to continue to keep each other safe, follow public health protocols and get the vaccine when it is our turn.”
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 May 2, 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/
