Seven new cases of COVID-19 are being reported in Nova Scotia today, April 18.
Three cases are in Eastern Zone and are related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada.
Four cases are in Central Zone. Two are close contacts of previously reported cases, one is related to international travel, and one is under investigation.
One of the close contact cases in Central Zone is a second staff member at Glasgow Hall, a long-term care home in Dartmouth. As a precaution, residents are being isolated and cared for in their rooms and the facility is closed to visitors and designated caregivers. All residents have been tested. Testing was completed yesterday for all staff who are close contacts of the two staff members who tested positive. Testing is underway for all other staff and will be completed today. Most residents of this facility have been fully vaccinated with two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Work is underway to support any remaining residents and staff who wish to get vaccinated.
“All the right steps are being taken to contain this outbreak for the safety of residents and staff at Glasgow Hall,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “As we continue to fight this virus and variant strains, it’s more important than ever that Nova Scotians remain vigilant, follow all public health measures, and get vaccinated as soon as it’s their turn.”
Unrelated to today’s cases, Nova Scotia is reporting 22 new variants: 19 UK, two South African and one Brazilian. This is the first time the Brazilian variant has been detected in the province. There has been a total of 63 cases of the UK variant, 12 cases of the South African variant, and one case of the Brazil variant identified in Nova Scotia.
“While more of our cases have been confirmed as variants, it is a good sign that these cases are mainly due to travel. We are detecting them through testing and containing them before they can spread widely within Nova Scotia,” said Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health. “This is another reminder why it’s important for people to not travel unless it’s absolutely necessary.”
As of today, Nova Scotia has 49 active cases of COVID-19.
Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 2,052 Nova Scotia tests on April 17.
Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 343,244 tests. There have been 718 positive COVID-19 cases and two deaths. Two people are in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. There are 667 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/
Source: Release #notw