***** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Nova Scotia Reports One More Death, Three New Cases of COVID-19
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There will be no COVID-19 media briefings this weekend. Government will continue to issue news releases on new cases each day.
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Today, May 9, Nova Scotia is reporting one additional death related to COVID-19, bringing the total to 47. The death occurred at the Northwood long-term care home in Halifax Regional Municipality.
“On behalf of all Nova Scotians, I extend deep condolences to those who are grieving,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “It is our collective duty to do all we can to slow the spread of COVID-19. We will get through this best by working together and supporting one another.”
As of today, Nova Scotia has 1,011 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Three new cases were identified Friday, May 8.
“COVID-19 is a terrible disease, but we all play a role in how it impacts our province,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “Whatever you do this weekend, don’t let your guard down. Enjoy the outdoors with only those you live with and connect with others virtually. Maintain social distance, wash your hands, stay home as much as possible and clean high-use surfaces.”
The QEII Health Sciences Centre’s microbiology lab completed 598 Nova Scotia tests on May 8 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 157 residents and 31 staff with active cases. One other facility has one staff member with active cases of COVID-19.
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 33,190 negative test results, 1,011 positive COVID-19 test results and 47 deaths. Confirmed cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. Seven individuals are currently in hospital, two of those in ICU. Seven-hundred and forty-three 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/coronavirus/data .
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 is now more important than ever for Nova Scotians to strictly adhere to the public health orders and directives – practise good hygiene, maintain a physical distance of two metres or six feet from others, limit essential gatherings to no more than five people and stay at home as much as possible.
Nova Scotians can find accurate, up-to-date information, handwashing posters and fact sheets at http://novascotia.ca/coronavirus .
Quick Facts:
— testing numbers are updated daily at http://novascotia.ca/coronavirus
— a state of emergency was declared under the Emergency Management Act on March 22 and extended to May 17
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)
