**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Two Deaths, 59 New Cases of COVID-19, 58 Recoveries
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Today, November 29, Nova Scotia is reporting two deaths related to COVID-19. A man in his 60s was a resident of the East Cumberland Lodge long-term care home in Pugwash. Also, a man in is 70s in Western Zone has died; he was not a resident of a long-term care home.
“I am saddened to learn that two more Nova Scotians lost their lives because of this virus. I offer my condolences to those grieving,” said Premier Tim Houston. “We must stay vigilant as the holiday season approaches to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our province. We can do this by getting vaccinated, following public health measures and not socializing if you are sick.”
Today’s death connected to the long-term care home will be reflected on the COVID-19 dashboard when it is updated Tuesday.
Nova Scotia is also reporting 59 new cases of COVID-19 and 58 recoveries since the last update on November 26.
There are 38 cases in Northern Zone and 21 cases in Central Zone. There is a new cluster of cases in a localized community in Northern Zone and there is also evidence of limited community spread in Halifax and parts of northern Nova Scotia.
There are no new cases at East Cumberland Lodge. A total of 32 residents and 11 staff members at the home have tested positive, and four of the infected residents have died. Public and occupational health are working with the facility to prevent further spread. Increased public health measures and restrictions are in place.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the two people who passed away,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Getting vaccinated will not only protect you but also your loved ones. I encourage all Nova Scotians to continue to work together and do your part in keeping each other safe by getting fully vaccinated and following public health measures.”
Over the past three days, nine schools were notified of an exposure(s) at their school. As always, all staff, parents and guardians are notified of exposures if a positive case (student, teacher or staff) was at the school while infectious. A list of schools with exposures is available online: https://backtoschool.ednet.ns.ca/school-exposures
As of today, Nova Scotia has 171 active cases of COVID-19. Of those, 13 people are in hospital, including four in ICU.
Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 3,686 tests on November 26; 2,476 tests on November 27; and 2,589 tests on November 28.
As of November 28, 1,632,289 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 789,898 Nova Scotians have received their second dose, and 18,800 eligible Nova Scotians have received a third dose.
Since August 1, there have been 2,331 positive COVID-19 cases and 16 deaths. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. There are 2,145 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: https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en for COVID-19 for COVID-19 testing centres across the province. Those eligible to receive asymptomatic testing are listed at: https://www.nshealth.ca/visit-covid-19-testing-site . Those with no symptoms who do not meet the criteria are encouraged to use one of the rapid testing pop-up sites if they want to be tested. Some public health mobile unit clinics also offer drop-in testing; this will be noted in promotions.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms is advised to self-isolate and book a COVID-19 test.
Anyone advised by public health that they were a close contact needs to complete a full 14-day quarantine, regardless of test results, unless they are fully vaccinated. If they are fully vaccinated at least 14 days before the exposure date, they do not need to self-isolate as long as they are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. They should still get tested and should monitor for symptoms up to 14 days after the exposure date. If symptoms develop, they should get tested and self-isolate until they receive a negative test result.
Symptoms and self-assessment:
Nova Scotians should visit https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ to do a self-assessment if in the past 48 hours they have had or are currently experiencing:
— cough (new or worsening)
Or two or more of the following symptoms:
— fever (chills, sweats)
— headache
— runny nose or nasal congestion
— sore throat
— shortness of breath or 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 has been extended to December 12, 2021
Additional Resources:
Nova Scotians can find accurate, up-to-date information, handwashing posters and fact sheets at: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus
More information on COVID-19 case data, testing and vaccines is available at: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/data/
More information about public health text notifications of positive COVID-19 cases and close contacts is available here: https://www.nshealth.ca/news/public-health-begins-contacting-positive-covid-19-cases-close-contacts-text-message
Government of Canada: https://canada.ca/coronavirus or 1-833-784-4397 (toll-free)
