Ten new cases of COVID-19 are being reported in Nova Scotia today, Feb. 26. 

Nine cases are in Central Zone. Five are close contacts of previously reported cases. Three are under investigation. The other case is related to travel outside Atlantic Canada. The person is self-isolating, as required.

One case is in Eastern Zone and is related to travel outside Atlantic Canada. The person is self-isolating, as required.

The number of active cases, resolved cases, and immunization data was not available at the time of today’s reporting. All of today’s data will be updated on the COVID-19 data website and dashboard once complete data is available.

Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 2,797 Nova Scotia tests on Feb. 25. 

There were 1,870 tests administered between Feb. 19 and 25 at the rapid-testing pop-up sites in Halifax, St. Peter’s, New Minas, Port Hawkesbury and Eastern Passage. 

Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 202,939 tests. There have been 545 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. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.

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 .

Source: Release #notw