**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
No New Cases of COVID-19, Additional Variant Cases Identified
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No new cases of COVID-19 are being reported in Nova Scotia today, March 29.
Three new UK variant cases have been identified in the province, none of which are connected to Kings Wharf. Two are in Central Zone and are related to international travel. One case is considered resolved, the other is still self-isolating. The other is in Eastern Zone and is related to travel within Canada. The case is considered resolved.
At this time, there is no sign of community spread from the variant cases.
This brings the total number of cases of the UK variant in Nova Scotia to 17 and the South African variant remains at 10.
“Nova Scotian’s vigilance is paying off as we continue to see few or no new cases being reported daily,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “However, as we’ve seen elsewhere, complacency can quickly open the door for the resurgence of COVID-19.”
As of today, Nova Scotia has 24 active cases of COVID-19.
“Our continued strong testing numbers in combination with people following the public health protocols is a good formula to keep us where we need to be,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “We must stay the course. Please continue to wear a mask, limit social contacts, practise social distancing, adhere to the gathering limit, stay home if you feel unwell and wash your hands.”
Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 2,003 Nova Scotia tests on March 28.
As of March 28, 89,194 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 24,344 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.
Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 296,323 tests. There have been 622 positive COVID-19 cases and one death. One person is in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 80. There are 597 resolved cases. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.
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.
Nova Scotians are asked to avoid non-essential travel to the city of Edmundston and surrounding communities in New Brunswick as a result of increased cases of COVID-19 in that area.
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/
