**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Seventeen New Cases of COVID-19
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There will be no COVID-19 media briefing today, April 12.
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As of today, April 12, Nova Scotia has 445 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Seventeen new cases were identified Saturday, April 11.
“On a weekend when many of us would be visiting family and observing tradition, let’s honour those working on the front lines the best way we can – by staying home,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “Thank you to everyone who is staying in, minimizing contact with others and helping to stop the spread of COVID-19.”
The QEII Health Sciences Centre’s microbiology lab completed 778 Nova Scotia tests on Saturday, April 11 and is operating 24-hours.
While most cases in Nova Scotia have been connected to travel or a known case, there is now community spread. That is why travel has been removed as a requirement for testing for COVID-19.
The list of symptoms being screened for has also expanded. 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
“The only way we can overcome this deadly virus is by working together and supporting each other in following public health direction,” said Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health. “None of this is easy. But it’s vitally important for every Nova Scotian to do their part to keep their fellow citizens safe, especially those most at risk, including everyone providing an essential service.”
To date, Nova Scotia has 14,295 negative test results, 445 positive COVID-19 test results and two deaths. Confirmed cases range in age from under ten to over 90. Nine individuals are currently in hospital, four of those in ICU. Ninety-seven 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 April 19
— there are 22 primary assessment centres in Nova Scotia: 21 operated by Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) and one operated by the IWK Health Centre, temporary primary assessment centres are operating in two communities
— two mobile assessment centres are being established by NSHA to do community-based testing; Emergency Health Services operates two field assessment units, one in Halifax Regional Municipality and one in Cape Breton Regional Municipality
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).
