**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Two New Cases of COVID-19, Two Recoveries
Today, July 8, Nova Scotia is reporting two new cases of COVID-19 and two recoveries.
The cases are in Eastern Zone. One is a close contact of a previously reported case and the other is under investigation.
All four health zones continue to be closely monitored for community spread.
“Asymptomatic testing will be an important part of our COVID-19 routine this summer,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “Our province continues to be a leader in asymptomatic testing, which is key to detecting cases early and preventing the spread of the virus.”
As of today, Nova Scotia has 39 active cases of COVID-19. Of those, two people are in hospital COVID-19 units, including one in ICU.
On July 7, Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 3,315 tests.
As of July 7, 1,062,418 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 348,034 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.
“Nova Scotians can schedule their second-dose appointment 28 days after they received their first dose,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “The sooner you are fully vaccinated, the better. Vaccine appointments are continuously being added to the website. Do your part and book the first available appointment.”
Since April 1, there have been 4,122 positive COVID-19 cases and 26 deaths. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. There are 4,057 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 http://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en for primary assessment centres across the province. Those with no symptoms are encouraged to use one of the primary assessment centres with drop-in testing, pop-up sites, or public health mobile units if they want to be tested.
More information on testing can be found at http://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting
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 http://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ to do a self-assessment if in the past 48 hours they have had or are currently experiencing mild symptoms, including:
— fever (i.e. chills/sweats) or cough (new or worsening)
— sore throat
— runny nose/nasal congestion
— headache
— shortness of breath/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 extended to July 11, 2021
Additional Resources:
More information on COVID-19 case data, testing and vaccines is available at: http://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/data/
Nova Scotians can find accurate, up-to-date information, handwashing posters and fact sheets at: http://novascotia.ca/coronavirus
Nova’s Scotia’s five-phase reopening plan, announced May 28, 2021: http://novascotia.ca/reopening-plan/
Businesses and other organizations can find information to help them safely reopen and operate at: http://novascotia.ca/reopening-nova-scotia
A list of primary assessment locations, including locations with drop-in testing, is available online at: http://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting#assessment-centre-locations
More information about public health text notifications of positive COVID-19 cases and close contacts is available here: http://www.nshealth.ca/news/public-health-begins-contacting-positive-covid-19-cases-close-contacts-text-message
More information on what is considered essential travel is available here: http://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/travel/#from-outside-atlantic-canada
Government of Canada: http://canada.ca/coronavirus or 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)
Anyone needing help with a non-crisis mental health or addiction concern can 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)
