As of today, Nov. 23, Nova Scotia has 51 active cases of COVID-19. Eleven new cases were identified Sunday, Nov. 22.

All 11 new cases are in Central Zone. Eight are connected to previously reported cases; three are under investigation. One of the cases was detected Saturday, Nov. 21, in a pilot rapid COVID-19 screening program for bar staff and patrons in downtown Halifax. 

The recent rise in cases has led to new restrictions in metro Halifax Regional Municipality and parts of Hants County which came into effect today, Nov. 23. The restrictions can be found at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/county-restrictions/ .

Also today, the Atlantic premiers are calling on people in the region to limit their travel.

“Nova Scotia is urging people to limit travel for the next two weeks. I respect the decision of the provinces of Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador to take further steps at this time,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “Our border with New Brunswick continues to be monitored. There are a number of people on both sides of our shared border who drive back and forth for work or other essential reasons, and they can continue to do so. But for anyone considering a shopping trip or other non-essential travel, we are asking you not to go. This is another step we can take to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

The Atlantic premiers agreed that measures will be reviewed with the advice of Atlantic chief medical officers of health.  

“Today’s changes to the Atlantic bubble – with two Atlantic provinces asking their citizens to quarantine after visiting here – is a stark reminder that we need to do all that we can to stop the spread of this virus in Nova Scotia,” said Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health. “COVID-19 has found its way back into our communities. It is the responsibility of all of us to move quickly and stop it from spreading further. Reduce your social circle and activities, and strictly follow public health measures.” 

Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 1,143 Nova Scotia tests on Nov. 22.

To date, Nova Scotia has had 128,972 negative test results, 1,190 positive COVID-19 cases and 65 deaths. No one is currently in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. One thousand and seventy-four cases are now resolved. Cases have been identified in all parts of the province. Cumulative cases by zone may change as data is updated in Panorama.

Visit https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ to do a self-assessment if in the past 48 hours you have had or you are currently experiencing:
— fever (i.e. chills/sweats) or cough (new or worsening) 

Or:
Two or more of the following symptoms (new or worsening):
— sore throat
— runny nose/ nasal congestion
— headache
— shortness of breath

Call 811 if you cannot access the online self-assessment or wish to speak with a nurse about your symptoms.

When a new case of COVID-19 is confirmed, public health works to identify and test people who may have come in close contact with that person. 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 of Atlantic Canada 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 when and where required. Wearing a non-medical mask is mandatory in most indoor public places.

Rules concerning interprovincial travel within Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador are changing. The premiers of all four Atlantic provinces are cautioning against non-essential travel into neighbouring provinces. Starting Tuesday, all non-essential travel into Prince Edward Island requires a 14-day self-isolation. Starting Wednesday, all non-essential travel into Newfoundland and Labrador requires a 14-day self-isolation period. These changes will be in effect for two weeks. All public health directives of each province must be followed. Under Nova Scotia’s Health Protection Act order, visitors from other Canadian provinces and territories must self-isolate for 14 days. Other visitors from outside the Atlantic provinces who have self-isolated for 14 days in another Atlantic province may travel to Nova Scotia without self-isolating again.

Nova Scotians can find accurate, up-to-date information, handwashing posters and fact sheets at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus .

Businesses and other organizations can find information to help them safely reopen at https://novascotia.ca/reopening-nova-scotia .

Quick Facts:
— testing numbers are updated daily at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus
— a state of emergency was declared under the Emergency Management Act on March 22 and extended to Nov. 29
— online booking for COVID-19 testing appointments is available for Nova Scotians getting a test at all primary assessment centres or at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax 

Additional Resources:
Government of Canada: https://canada.ca/coronavirus

Government of Canada information line 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)

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)

For more information about COVID-19 testing and online booking, visit https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/symptoms-and-testing/

The COVID-19 self-assessment is at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/

Source: Release #notw