**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Eight New Cases of COVID-19, 13 recoveries
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Today, June 16, Nova Scotia is reporting eight new cases of COVID-19 and 13 recoveries.
Five of the cases are in Central Zone. Four are close contacts of previously reported cases and the other is under investigation.
Three cases are in Eastern Zone. Two are close contacts of previously reported cases and the other is under investigation.
There is limited community spread in Central Zone. Eastern, Northern and Western Zones continue to be closely monitored for community spread.
“Nova Scotians should be proud of the work they have done to get us where we are today,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “Although our cases continue to be in the single digits and people are following the public health measures, it is important to continue to get tested. Testing is a key part of our reopening plan as it will help to identify cases quickly before they have the chance to spread.”
As of today, Nova Scotia has 92 active cases of COVID-19. Of those, five people are in hospital COVID-19 units, including four in ICU. The median age of people hospitalized in the third wave is 52.5 for non-ICU and 55 for people in ICU.
On June 15, Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 5,142 tests.
As of June 15, 715,070 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 58,854 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.
“As we work our way through the reopening plan, entering Phase 2 today, it is important to remember to continue to get tested for COVID-19 and get vaccinated as soon as you can,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “Many of our new cases are among people who are not vaccinated, or who got the virus within two weeks of their first dose, before the vaccine has taken effect.”
Since April 1, there have been 4,017 positive COVID-19 cases and 24 deaths. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. There are 3,901 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 27, 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/reopening-plan/
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)
