**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Two New Presumptive Cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia
This update will be livestreamed (3pm) on http://novascotia.ca/stayinformed/webcast .
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Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health has announced two new presumptive cases of COVID-19 bringing the total number of presumptive positives in the province to five.
The two cases are in Halifax Regional Municipality and are related. The case details include:
— a male and female, both in their 50’s, were in close contact with individuals who had recently travelled outside the country
— two other individuals in the household are now in self-isolation and being tested
The affected individuals are in self-isolation and recovering at home.
Public health has been in contact with these individuals and working to identify others who may have come in close contact with them. Those individuals are also being directed to self-isolate at home, away from the public, for 14 days.
Anyone who has travelled outside of Canada or has been in close contact with someone who has travelled and are experiencing fever (above 38 C) and/or new cough should complete the online questionnaire before calling 811. The online questionnaire can be found at: http://811.novascotia.ca/
Nova Scotians can find accurate, up-to-date information, handwashing posters and fact sheets at http://novascotia.ca/coronavirus .
Quick Facts:
— as of March 16, Nova Scotia has completed 676 tests for COVID-19, with 671 negative results and five presumptive positive cases. Testing numbers are updated daily at http://novascotia.ca/coronavirus
— the Government of Canada has issued a travel advisory asking Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice
— Nova Scotia’s Health Protection Act gives the chief medical officer of health the authority to give advice to protect public health and decrease risk to public health presented by communicable diseases such as COVID-19
Additional Resources:
The Public Health Agency of Canada maintains a list of affected areas: http://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals/covid-19-affected-areas-list.html
Government of Canada: http://canada.ca/coronavirus
Government of Canada toll-free information line 1-833-784-4397
Nova Scotia Public Health offices: http://www.nshealth.ca/public-health-offices
