Today, June 1, Nova Scotia is reporting 12 new cases of COVID-19 and 91 recoveries.

There are eight new cases in Central Zone. Six of the cases are close contacts of previously reported cases and two cases are under investigation. 

Three cases are in Eastern Zone. Two of the cases are close contacts of previously reported cases and the other case is under investigation. 

One case is in Northern Zone and is a close contact of a previously reported case.

There is limited community spread in Central Zone. Eastern, Northern and Western Zones continue to be closely monitored for community spread.

“I’m pleased to see our cases trending downward and Nova Scotians should be proud of their efforts,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “But just because we are seeing fewer cases does not mean we can disregard the public health measures. We are in a good position as we enter Phase 1 of our reopening plan tomorrow. Let’s continue do our part by following the public health protocols and getting tested for COVID-19.”

As of today, Nova Scotia has 369 active cases of COVID-19. There are 38 people in hospital, including 15 in ICU. The median age of people hospitalized in the third wave is 53 for non-ICU, and 55.5 for people in ICU.

On May 31, Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 3,576 tests.

As of May 31, 588,991 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 43,561 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.

“While I’m encouraged to see low case numbers being reported, I want to remind Nova Scotians to remain vigilant and follow all the public health measures and protocols,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “The quickest way we will work through our reopening plan is by adhering to the restrictions that are in place. The decision to move to the next phase is not only based on COVID-19 activity, but also on public health and testing capacity, hospitalizations and vaccination rates.”

Since April 1, there have been 3,837 positive COVID-19 cases and 19 deaths. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. There are 3,449 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 primary assessment centres across the province. Those with no symptoms are strongly encouraged to use pop-up sites if they want to be tested.

More information on testing can be found at https://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms is advised to self-isolate and book a COVID-19 test. Everyone they live with must also self-isolate until the person receives their first negative test result. If the test is positive, public health will advise everyone about what to do.

Anyone advised by public health that they were a close contact needs to complete a full 14-day quarantine, regardless of test results. If the close contact is symptomatic, everyone they live with must also self-isolate until the person receives their first negative test result. If the test is positive, public health will advise everyone about what to do.

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 mild symptoms, including:

— fever (i.e. chills/sweats) or cough (new or worsening) 
— sore throat
— runny nose/nasal congestion
— headache
— shortness of breath/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.

Quick Facts:
— a state of emergency was declared under the Emergency Management Act on March 22, 2020, and extended to June 13, 2021

Additional Resources:
More information on COVID-19 case data, testing and vaccines is available at: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/data/

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

Nova’s Scotia’s five-phase reopening plan, announced May 28, 2021: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/docs/reopening-safely-with-COVID-19-plan-overview.pdf

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

More information about public health text notifications of positive COVID-19 cases and close contacts is available here: https://www.nshealth.ca/news/public-health-begins-contacting-positive-covid-19-cases-close-contacts-text-message

More information on what is considered essential travel is available here: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/travel/#from-outside-atlantic-canada

Government of Canada: https://canada.ca/coronavirus or 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)

Anyone needing help with a non-crisis mental health or addiction concern can call Community Mental Health and Addictions at 1-855-922-1122 (toll-free) weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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)

Source: Release #notw