**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Three New Cases of COVID-19
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Three new cases of COVID-19, as well as a case connected to Millwood High School, are being reported in Nova Scotia today, March 25.
One case is in Eastern Zone and is related to travel outside Atlantic Canada. The person is self-isolating, as required.
The other two cases are in Central Zone. One is related to travel outside Atlantic Canada and the person is self-isolating, as required. The other is a close contact of a previously reported case.
In addition to these new cases, a case connected to a school was identified today, March 25, at Millwood High School in Middle Sackville. Because the case came in after the cut-off for reporting, it is not included in today’s case update and will not appear on our data website, dashboard or daily COVID-19 case release until tomorrow, March 26.
The person was not in school today and is self-isolating. The school will close to allow for deep cleaning, testing and contact tracing, and is expected to reopen to students on Wednesday, March 31. Students will learn from home during the closure and families of the school will receive an update on Tuesday, March 30.
As with any positive case, public health will be in touch with any close contacts of this case and advise of next steps. Everyone who is a close contact will be notified, tested and asked to self-isolate for 14 days.
“The best way to protect one another is by following all public health measures and making testing part of your regular COVID-19 prevention measures,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “Wear a mask, wash your hands, maintain physical distance, adhere to the gathering limits and stay home if you are feeling unwell.”
As of today, Nova Scotia has 25 active cases of COVID-19.
Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 2,851 Nova Scotia tests on March 24.
As of March 24, 77,431 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 22,917 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.
Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 286,976 tests. There have been 610 positive COVID-19 cases and one death. No one is in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 80. There are 584 resolved cases. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.
“Seeing low case numbers is a good sign, but we continue to have COVID-19 activity in the province,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “While the epidemiology shows our approach is working, it also is an indication that we need to continue to follow the public health measures that are in place.”
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 New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island 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 April 4, 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/
