As of today, Feb. 22, Nova Scotia has 19 active cases of COVID-19. One new case is being reported today.

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

“Today marks an important step in our vaccine rollout with the first community clinic for people age 80 and older,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “I know we are all looking forward to seeing clinics across the province in the coming weeks and months. I thank Nova Scotians for their patience while waiting for the vaccine, and for keeping one another safe by following public health measures.”

Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 1,510 Nova Scotia tests on Feb. 21. 

As of Feb. 21, 27,521 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 11,533 Nova Scotians have received their second dose. 

Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 192,854 tests. There have been 521 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. Five hundred and two cases are now resolved. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.

“Our first community clinic opened today at the IWK Health Centre and we will see more community clinics opening in the coming weeks in other areas of the province,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “We continue to prioritize vaccinations for those who are most vulnerable and at highest risk.”

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 directive – 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