As of today, Feb. 15, Nova Scotia has 10 active cases of COVID-19. One new case is being reported today.

The case is in Central Zone and is related to a previously reported case. The person is self-isolating, as required.

“It’s encouraging that our case numbers remain low and our best chance of keeping it that way is staying the course with our public health measures,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “As we celebrate Heritage Day today, let’s draw strength for the rest of the pandemic from the many Nova Scotians who weathered hardships and took bold steps to advance our people and our province.”

Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 1,620 Nova Scotia tests on Feb. 14.

Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 181,832 tests. There have been 505 positive COVID-19 cases and no deaths. One person is currently in hospital, in ICU. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 70. Four hundred and ninety-five cases are now resolved. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.

“We’re in a fortunate position in Nova Scotia in contrast with so many other provinces and we know that could change very quickly,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “That’s why we need to remain vigilant about washing our hands, wearing masks, keeping physical distance, staying home when we’re sick, isolating when required, and getting tested regularly even if you don’t feel sick.”

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.

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 from anywhere except Prince Edward Island 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.

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