**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Nova Scotia Reports One More Death, No New Cases of COVID-19
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As of today, July 29, Nova Scotia has no active cases of COVID-19. No new cases were identified on Tuesday, July 28.
Nova Scotia is reporting one additional death related to COVID-19, bringing the total to 64. A female in her 60s with underlying medical conditions died several weeks ago in the Eastern Zone. Her death has been under investigation since then to determine if COVID-19 was a factor. She was not a resident of a long-term care home.
“My thoughts are with this individual’s family and loved ones who have been grieving these past weeks,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “This virus has taken a toll on us, but Nova Scotians are strong. We must continue to work together and follow the public health advice as we open our economy, communities and businesses.”
The QEII Health Sciences Centre’s microbiology lab completed 418 Nova Scotia tests on July 28 and is operating 24-hours.
To date, Nova Scotia has 62,861 negative test results, 1,067 positive COVID-19 cases and 64 deaths. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. One thousand and three cases are now resolved. Cases have been identified in all parts of the province. Cumulative cases by zone may change as data is updated in Panorama.
“I echo the Premier’s condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased,” said Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health. “The individual’s case of COVID-19 was previously reported. We have updated the numbers to reflect the death.”
If you have any one of the following symptoms, visit http://811.novascotia.ca to determine if you should call 811 for further assessment:
— fever (i.e. chills, sweats)
— cough or worsening of a previous cough
— sore throat
— headache
— shortness of breath
— muscle aches
— sneezing
— nasal congestion/runny nose
— hoarse voice
— diarrhea
— unusual fatigue
— loss of sense of smell or taste
— red, purple or blueish lesions on the feet, toes or fingers without clear cause
When a new case of COVID-19 is confirmed, public health works to identify and test people who may have come in close contact with that person. Those individuals who have been confirmed are being directed to self-isolate at home, away from the public, for 14 days.
Anyone who has travelled outside of Atlantic Canada must self-isolate for 14 days. As always, any Nova Scotian 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, and wearing a non-medical mask is strongly recommended when physical distancing is difficult.
As of July 3, interprovincial travel within Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, without the requirement to self-isolate for permanent Atlantic Canadian residents, is permitted. All public health directives of each province must be followed. Under Nova Scotia’s Health Protection Act order, visitors from other Canadian provinces and territories must self-isolate for 14 days. Other visitors from outside the Atlantic provinces who have self-isolated for 14 days in another Atlantic province may travel to Nova Scotia without self-isolating again.
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 at http://novascotia.ca/reopening-nova-scotia .
Quick Facts:
— testing numbers are updated daily at http://novascotia.ca/coronavirus
— a state of emergency was declared under the Emergency Management Act on March 22 and extended to Aug. 9.
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)
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)
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**** EDUCATION Media Release
Upgrades at Nova Scotia Community College Campuses
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Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) plays a vital role in advancing Nova Scotia by providing industry-driven education and training in communities across the province.
Government is investing $19.4 million in infrastructure upgrades at nine campuses across Nova Scotia. The investment is part of the province’s recently announced $230 million in infrastructure stimulus spending – part of its response to address the economic impacts of COVID-19.
“As our province begins to reopen, we’re focused on opportunities for all Nova Scotians,” said Labour and Advanced Education Minister Labi Kousoulis. “This investment is about creating local jobs and upgrading key infrastructure that supports the training and development of our future workforce.”
The project designs are complete and the contractor tenders are underway. Work on some of the projects has already begun and the remainder of the projects will begin this summer. Once the tendering process concludes, the complete project list will be available.
In total, these projects will generate employment equivalent to 100 full-time jobs.
Quotes:
“These funds are extremely important investments in our campuses, which are situated across Nova Scotia and serve as both important educational centres and community resources. By addressing these much-needed repairs now, we’re able to reduce our future costs and extend the life of our campuses.”
– Don Bureaux, president, NSCC
Quick Facts:
— projects range from culinary kitchen upgrades to campus residence washroom upgrades, making the washrooms universal (gender neutral and fully accessible)
— five of the projects (totaling $16.4 million) are exterior wall upgrades, which will be essential in helping to extend the life of campus buildings
— all projects are expected to be completed by March 31, 2021
— the upgrades are focused on nine of NSCC’s 14 campuses in Yarmouth, Truro, Halifax, Springhill, Kentville, Stellarton, Port Hawkesbury, Dartmouth and Shelburne
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