**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
18 New Cases of COVID-19, 45 Recoveries
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Today, June 5, Nova Scotia is reporting 18 new cases of COVID-19 and 45 recoveries.
There are 13 new cases in Central Zone. Twelve of the cases are close contacts of previously reported cases and one is under investigation.
Four cases are in Eastern Zone. Two of the cases are close contacts of previously reported cases and two are related to travel.
There is one new case in Western Zone and it is a close contact of a previously reported case.
There is limited community spread in Central Zone. Eastern, Northern and Western Zones continue to be closely monitored for community spread.
“Nova Scotians have done the hard work to bring down transmission of COVID-19 in our communities, which is why we are able to start enjoying patios, get a haircut and spend time with loved ones outside,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “We still need to be cautious. Remember to continue to follow the public health measures and make regular testing part of your routine if you are socializing.”
As of today, Nova Scotia has 224 active cases of COVID-19. There are 20 people in hospital, including six in ICU. The median age of people hospitalized in the third wave is 52.5 for non-ICU, and 55.5 for people in ICU.
On June 4, Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 4,065 tests.
“As we create more opportunities for Nova Scotians to regain some normalcy in their lives, it’s important that we stay vigilant, even for those who have had one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “Testing is critical as we move through our reopening plan. It’s the only way to know how much virus is circulating, especially without population immunity from two doses.”
Since April 1, there have been 3,909 positive COVID-19 cases and 22 deaths. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. There are 3,663 resolved cases. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.
Testing advice:
Nova Scotians with or without symptoms can book a test at http://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en for primary assessment centres across the province. Those with no symptoms are strongly encouraged to use pop-up sites if they want to be tested.
More information on testing can be found at http://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms is advised to self-isolate and book a COVID-19 test. Everyone they live with must also self-isolate until the person receives their first negative test result. If the test is positive, public health will advise everyone about what to do.
Anyone advised by public health that they were a close contact needs to complete a full 14-day quarantine, regardless of test results. If the close contact is symptomatic, everyone they live with must also self-isolate until the person receives their first negative test result. If the test is positive, public health will advise everyone about what to do.
Symptoms and self-assessment:
Nova Scotians should visit http://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ to do a self-assessment if in the past 48 hours they have had or are currently experiencing mild symptoms, including:
— fever (i.e. chills/sweats) or cough (new or worsening)
— sore throat
— runny nose/nasal congestion
— headache
— shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
People should call 811 if they cannot access the online self-assessment or wish to speak with a nurse about their symptoms.
Anyone with symptoms should immediately self-isolate and book a test.
Quick Facts:
— a state of emergency was declared under the Emergency Management Act on March 22, 2020, and extended to June 13, 2021
Additional Resources:
More information on COVID-19 case data, testing and vaccines is available at: http://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/data/
Nova Scotians can find accurate, up-to-date information, handwashing posters and fact sheets at: http://novascotia.ca/coronavirus
Nova’s Scotia’s five-phase reopening plan, announced May 28, 2021: http://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/docs/reopening-safely-with-COVID-19-plan-overview.pdf
Businesses and other organizations can find information to help them safely reopen and operate at: http://novascotia.ca/reopening-nova-scotia
More information about public health text notifications of positive COVID-19 cases and close contacts is available here: http://www.nshealth.ca/news/public-health-begins-contacting-positive-covid-19-cases-close-contacts-text-message
More information on what is considered essential travel is available here: http://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/travel/#from-outside-atlantic-canada
Government of Canada: http://canada.ca/coronavirus or 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)
Anyone needing help with a non-crisis mental health or addiction concern can 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)
