Two new cases of COVID-19 are being reported in Nova Scotia today, March 17.

The first case is in Central Zone and is a close contact of a previously reported case.

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

“Nova Scotians have made changes to their daily lives to limit the spread of COVID-19 and it’s no different for St. Patrick’s Day,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “We have been fortunate to have little to no new cases recently, but we know that the virus can quickly find its way back into our communities. It’s important to adjust your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations so as to be as safe as possible.”

As of today, Nova Scotia has 15 active cases of COVID-19.

Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 1,749 Nova Scotia tests on March 16.

As of March 16, 52,352 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 17,822 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.

Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 270,011 tests. There have been 585 positive COVID-19 cases and no deaths. One person is currently in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 80. There are 570 resolved cases. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.

“St. Patrick’s Day celebrations need to look much different this year,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “Keep your gatherings small, stick with your consistent social group, wear a mask, wash your hands and stay home if you are feeling unwell.”

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