**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Two New Cases of COVID-19, Additional Variant Case Identified
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Two new cases of COVID-19 are being reported in Nova Scotia today, March 31.
One case is in Central Zone and the other case is in Western Zone. Both cases are related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada. The people are self-isolating, as required.
Unrelated to the cases announced today, one new UK variant case has been identified in Central Zone. The case is related to international travel.
At this time, there is no sign of community spread from the variant case.
This brings the total number of cases of the UK variant in Nova Scotia to 18. The number of South African variant cases remains at 10.
“Passover, Easter and Ramadan are times to celebrate and gather with loved ones,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “As we work to contain the virus, let’s keep our gatherings small and continue to follow the public health protocols that are in place to keep our communities safe.”
As of today, Nova Scotia has 23 active cases of COVID-19.
Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 4,446 Nova Scotia tests on March 30.
As of March 30, 100,832 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 26,599 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.
Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 303,341 tests. There have been 627 positive COVID-19 cases and one death. One person is in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. There are 603 resolved cases. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.
“As we approach a holiday weekend, I want to remind Nova Scotians of the importance of celebrating safely,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “Do your part by following the gathering limits, keeping a consistent social group, staying home if you are feeling unwell, washing your hands and self-isolating if required.”
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/
