Today, November 8, Nova Scotia is reporting 111 new cases of COVID-19 and 76 recoveries since the last update on November 5.

There are 52 cases in Western Zone, 31 cases in Central Zone, 19 cases in Northern Zone and nine cases in Eastern Zone. 

The increase in case numbers is related to ongoing community spread in Amherst and Cumberland County, as well as ongoing transmission from a faith-based gathering. This includes secondary transmission to other faith-based gatherings, workplaces and to East Cumberland Lodge long-term care home in Pugwash. 

The Province is reporting an outbreak at this facility. Four residents and one staff member have tested positive for COVID-19. One resident is in hospital. Public health is working with the facility to prevent further spread. Increased public health measures and restrictions are in place.

Over the past three days, five schools were notified of an exposure(s) at their school. As always, all staff, parents and guardians are notified of exposures if a positive case (student, teacher or staff) was at the school while infectious. A list of schools with exposures is available online: https://backtoschool.ednet.ns.ca/school-exposures

As of today, Nova Scotia has 255 active cases of COVID-19. Of those, nine people are in hospital, including one in ICU.

Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 2,379 tests on November 5; 3,302 tests on November 6; and 2,068 tests on November 7.

As of November 7, 1,586,285 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 768,658 Nova Scotians have received their second dose, and 5,182 eligible Nova Scotians have received a third dose.

Since August 1, there have been 1,765 positive COVID-19 cases and seven deaths. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. There are 1,503 resolved cases. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.

Testing advice:

Nova Scotians with or without symptoms can book a test at: https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en for COVID-19 for COVID-19 testing centres across the province. Those eligible to receive asymptomatic testing are listed at: https://www.nshealth.ca/visit-covid-19-testing-site . Those with no symptoms who do not meet the criteria are encouraged to use one of the rapid testing pop-up sites if they want to be tested. Some public health mobile unit clinics also offer drop-in testing; this will be noted in promotions.

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms is advised to self-isolate and book a COVID-19 test.

Anyone advised by public health that they were a close contact needs to complete a full 14-day quarantine, regardless of test results, unless they are fully vaccinated. If they are fully vaccinated at least 14 days before the exposure date, they do not need to self-isolate as long as they are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. They should still get tested and should monitor for symptoms up to 14 days after the exposure date. If symptoms develop, they should get tested and self-isolate until they receive a negative test result.

Symptoms and self-assessment:

Nova Scotians should visit https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ to do a self-assessment if in the past 48 hours they have had or are currently experiencing:

— cough (new or worsening)

Or two or more of the following symptoms:

— fever (chills, sweats)
— headache
— runny nose or nasal congestion
— sore throat
— shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

People should call 811 if they cannot access the online self-assessment or wish to speak with a nurse about their symptoms.

Anyone with symptoms should immediately self-isolate and book a test.