As of today, Jan. 7, Nova Scotia has 28 active cases of COVID-19. Four new cases are being reported today.
Two cases are in Central Zone and are close contacts of previously reported cases.
One case is in Eastern Zone and is a close contact of a previously reported case.
One case is in Northern Zone and is related to travel outside Atlantic Canada.
“While the case numbers in our province are encouraging, we are closely monitoring the rise in cases in New Brunswick,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “The situation there is a reminder of how quickly the virus can spread, and also reminds us of the importance of following all the public health protocols.”
Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 1,467 Nova Scotia tests on Jan. 6.
Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 122,652 tests. There have been 435 positive COVID-19 cases and no deaths. No one is currently in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 70. Four hundred and seven cases are now resolved. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.
“As we continue to see new COVID-19 cases every day, it is apparent that the virus is still in our communities,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “We must remain vigilant and do our part by continuing to follow public health guidelines and orders.”
As of Jan. 4, restaurants and licensed establishments in areas of Halifax Regional Municipality and Hants County can reopen for dine-in service. They must follow the provincewide restrictions, including ending service by 10 p.m. and closing by 11 p.m. They can continue takeout and delivery service with no restrictions. The Halifax casino and VLTs remain closed.
Post-secondary students returning to Nova Scotia from outside of Atlantic Canada are strongly encouraged to visit https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ to book a COVID-19 test for day 6, 7, or 8 of their 14-day self-isolation period. COVID-19 testing appointments can be booked up to three days in advance.
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/difficulty breathing
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, the person is directed to self-isolate at home, away from the public, for 14 days. Public health works to identify and test people who may have come in close contact with that person.
Anyone who has travelled outside of Atlantic Canada must self-isolate for 14 days. As always, anyone 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.
The premiers of all four Atlantic provinces are cautioning against non-essential travel into neighbouring provinces. Currently, all non-essential travel into Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador requires a 14-day self-isolation. All public health directives of each province must be followed. Under Nova Scotia’s Health Protection Act order, visitors from outside Atlantic Canada must self-isolate for 14 days unless they completed their self-isolation in another Atlantic province.
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 and operate 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, 2020 and extended to Jan. 10, 2021
— online booking for COVID-19 testing appointments is available at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/
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)
If you need help with a non-crisis mental health or addiction concern 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)
For more information about COVID-19 testing and online booking, visit https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/symptoms-and-testing/
