Fifteen new cases of COVID-19 are being reported in Nova Scotia today, April 19.
Eight cases are in Central Zone. Four are close contacts of previously reported cases, one of which was identified Sunday, April 18, at South Woodside Elementary School. Three cases are under investigation, one of which was identified on Sunday at St. Joseph’s-Alexander McKay Elementary School. The other case is related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada.
Six cases are in Eastern Zone. One is a close contact of a previously reported case and the others are related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada.
One case is in Western Zone and is related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada.
The people are self-isolating, as required.
“As we’ve seen in other provinces, the situation can change rapidly. Our public health teams are working hard to contain the virus and we can support them by following all the public health protocols,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “As we are seeing an increase in cases it is important that Nova Scotians get tested for COVID-19. Testing is key to detecting cases early on and limiting the spread of the virus.”
As of today, Nova Scotia has 63 active cases of COVID-19.
Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 1,950 Nova Scotia tests on April 18.
As of April 18, 207,563 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 32,496 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.
Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 345,194 tests. There have been 733 positive COVID-19 cases and two deaths. Two people are in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. There are 668 resolved cases. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.
“The increase in case numbers is a reminder of the importance of the restrictions that are in place to protect the health of fellow Nova Scotians,” said Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health. “We need to continue to keep each other safe, follow public health protocols and get the vaccine when it is our turn.”
Nova Scotians are strongly encouraged to seek asymptomatic COVID-19 testing, particularly if they have a large number of close contacts due to their work or social activities. Appointments can be booked at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/, by choosing the asymptomatic option. Rapid testing pop-up sites continue to be set up around the province as well. More information on testing can be found at https://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting .
Source: Release #notw