As of today, Jan. 4, Nova Scotia has 27 active cases of COVID-19. Six new cases are being reported from Sunday, Jan. 3 and today, Jan. 4. 

On Jan. 3, two cases were reported. One case is in Western Zone and related to travel outside Atlantic Canada. The other case is in Eastern Zone and is under investigation.

On Jan. 4, four cases were reported in Central Zone. One case is related to travel outside Atlantic Canada, one case is a close contact of a previously reported case, and the other two cases are under investigation.

None of the cases reported on Jan. 3 and today, Jan. 4 are connected to Churchill Academy. Public health has been in contact with the school community and has arranged testing for all staff and students. The last day of school was Dec. 18 and classes are scheduled to resume Jan. 11.

“I’m pleased that the recent low number of cases in the greater Halifax area means that restaurants can reopen today,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “I want to thank the hardworking entrepreneurs in this sector for their patience as we do our best to slow the spread of the virus. I remind all Nova Scotians that following all the public health protocols is the best way to protect each other and also help our economy.”

Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 969 Nova Scotia tests on Jan. 2 and 1,077 on Jan. 3.

Since Oct. 1, there have been 416 positive COVID-19 cases and no deaths. One person is currently in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 70. Three hundred and eighty-nine cases are now resolved. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.

“I’m encouraged by the numbers we are seeing, but we still haven’t seen the full impact of the holidays,” said Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health. “The way we can keep COVID-19 under control is by remaining cautious and following all the public health measures. Living safely with COVID-19 needs to remain our focus in 2021.”

Restaurants and licensed establishments in areas of Halifax Regional Municipality and Hants County can reopen for dine-in service starting today, Jan. 4. 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.

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/

Source: Release #notw