Five new cases of COVID-19 are being reported in Nova Scotia today, March 9. 

Three of the cases are in Central Zone and the other two are in Western Zone. They are all close contacts of previously reported cases. 

The National Microbiology Lab confirmed five new variant cases – three more cases of the UK variant and two more cases of the South African variant, all of which are in Central Zone.

This brings the total number of cases of the UK variant in Nova Scotia to 11 and the South African variant to eight.

All three UK variant cases and one of the South African variant cases are directly linked to known cases or international travel.   

The other South African variant case has no known link to a previously reported variant case or to travel. This person was tested earlier this month and their illness is considered resolved. The investigation is still ongoing and so far, none of their close contacts have tested positive.

At this time, there is no sign of community spread from the variant cases. 

As of today, Nova Scotia has 26 active cases of COVID-19.

Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 2,841 Nova Scotia tests on March 8.

As of March 8, 40,231 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 14,542 Nova Scotians have received their second dose. 

Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 252,798 tests. There have been 575 positive COVID-19 cases and no deaths. One person is currently in hospital, in ICU. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 80. There are 549 resolved cases. 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