**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Eight New Cases of COVID-19, 11 recoveries
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Today, June 13, Nova Scotia is reporting eight new cases of COVID-19 and 11 recoveries.
There are four new cases in Central Zone. Two of the cases are close contacts of previously reported cases. One case is related to travel and one is under investigation. One of the cases in Central Zone is connected to Rocky Lake Junior High in Bedford.
Two new cases are in Western Zone and are related to travel.
Two new cases are in Eastern Zone and are close contacts of previously reported cases.
There is limited community spread in Central Zone. Eastern, Northern and Western Zones continue to be closely monitored for community spread.
“Another day with a low case count is promising. This is a trend we want to see continue as we look forward to reopening our province,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “Vaccination is a key part of our way forward. If you are able, get the vaccine to protect yourself and those around you.”
As of today, Nova Scotia has 140 active cases of COVID-19. Of those, 10 people are in hospital COVID-19 units, including six in ICU. The median age of people hospitalized in the third wave is 53 for non-ICU and 55 for people in ICU.
On June 12, Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 5,041 tests.
“I am pleased to see our cases are in the single digits. Everyone has worked very hard to get us where we are, but can’t stop now,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “The way out of this third wave is to get vaccinated with both doses but also to get tested regularly. Make a COVID-19 test part of your pandemic routine.”
Since April 1, there have been 4,000 positive COVID-19 cases and 23 deaths. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. There are 3,837 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/enfor primary assessment centres across the province. Those with no symptoms are strongly encouraged to use pop-up sites 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. Everyone they live with must also self-isolate until the person receives their first negative test result. If the test is positive, public health will advise everyone about what to do.
Anyone advised by public health that they were a close contact needs to complete a full 14-day quarantine, regardless of test results. If the close contact is symptomatic, everyone they live with must also self-isolate until the person receives their first negative test result. If the test is positive, public health will advise everyone about what to do.
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 June 27, 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
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)
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**** NSHA MEDIA RELEASE
Public Health Mobile Unit to provide drop-in COVID-19 testing in communities in Central Zone
Public Health’s mobile unit will be offering community-based testing this week at various locations in Central Zone. In an effort to keep COVID-19 under control in Nova Scotia, Public Health’s mobile units provide easier access to testing.
Testing people who show no symptoms of COVID-19 (asymptomatic) continues to be one of the main tools that has helped limit COVID-19 spread in Nova Scotia. However, Nova Scotians are reminded that even if you have mild symptoms like a sore throat, a runny/congested nose or headache, you should get tested for COVID-19.
The Public Health Mobile Unit will be available for drop-in at the following locations:
Tantallon Public Library (3646 Hammonds Plains Rd, Upper Tantallon) on Monday, June 14th from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Halifax North Memorial Library (2285 Gottingen St, Halifax) on Monday, June 14th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Important notes when visiting the mobile unit:
- Unless you have symptoms you do not need to self-isolate while you wait for your results, unless directly advised by Public Health to isolate.
- The testing method is standard PCR swab or Swish and Gargle for children and youth. Preparation is required for gargle testing. View instructions.
- Please bring your health card with you, if you have one.
- You may have to wait in line outside; please dress accordingly.
Public Health is encouraging all Nova Scotians to be tested regularly for COVID-19. If it has been over a week since your last test consider getting tested again.
Up to date information about COVID-19 is available at novascotia.ca/coronavirus
In addition to media releases, all potential exposure notifications are listed here: http://www.nshealth.ca/covid-exposures
