**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Nova Scotia Reports One More Death, One New Case of COVID-19
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There will be no COVID-19 media briefing today, May 21
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Today, May 21, Nova Scotia is reporting one additional death related to COVID-19, bringing the total to 58. The death occurred at the Northwood long-term care home in Halifax Regional Municipality.
“My thoughts are with the families and friends who are grieving today,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “Thank you to everyone who is working tirelessly at Northwood to contain this virus. To the staff and families with loved ones at Northwood, you continue to have our full support as long as necessary.”
As of today, Nova Scotia has 1,046 confirmed cases of COVID-19. One new case was identified Wednesday, May 20.
“Until a vaccine is available, we have to stay vigilant in fighting this virus. We have to find – and adapt to – our new normal,” said Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health. “That means we have to keep practising good personal hygiene, use physical distancing, limit non-essential travel, stay home when unwell, limit large groups and wear non-medical masks. These measures will remain in place for some time to come, and will continue to be a key part of our fight against this virus.”
The QEII Health Sciences Centre’s microbiology lab completed 579 Nova Scotia tests on May 20 and is operating 24-hours.
There are two licensed long-term care homes and unlicensed seniors’ facilities in Nova Scotia with active cases of COVID-19. Northwood in Halifax currently has 15 residents and four staff with active cases. One other facility has one resident with an active case.
If you have two or more of the following symptoms, visit http://811.novascotia.ca to determine if you should call 811 for further assessment:
— fever
— new or worsening cough
— sore throat
— runny nose
— headache
To date, Nova Scotia has 37,078 negative test results, 1,046 positive COVID-19 test results and 58 deaths. Confirmed cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. Nine individuals are currently in hospital, four of those in ICU. Nine-hundred and fifty-nine individuals have now recovered and their cases of COVID-19 are considered resolved. Cases have been identified in all parts of the province. A map and graphic presentation of the case data is available at http://novascotia.ca/coronavi
Public health is working to identify and test people who may have come in close contact with the confirmed cases. Those individuals who have been confirmed are being directed to self-isolate at home, away from the public, for 14 days.
Anyone who has travelled outside Nova Scotia must self-isolate for 14 days. As always, any Nova Scotian 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 of two metres or six feet from those not in your household or family household bubble and limit planned social gatherings of people outside your household or family household bubble to no more than five.
Nova Scotians can find accurate, up-to-date information, handwashing posters and fact sheets at http://novascotia.ca/coronavi
Quick Facts:
— testing numbers are updated daily at http://novascotia.ca/coronavi
— a state of emergency was declared under the Emergency Management Act on March 22 and extended to May 31
Additional Resources:
Government of Canada: http://canada.ca/coronavirus
Government of Canada toll-free information line 1-833-784-4397
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)
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)
