Six new COVID-19 cases (Jun 19 2021)

Today, June 19, Nova Scotia is reporting six new cases of COVID-19 and 10 recoveries.

Four cases are in Central Zone. Three are close contacts of previously reported cases and one is under investigation.

Two cases are in Western Zone. One is related to travel and the other is under investigation.

There is limited community spread in Central Zone. Eastern, Northern and Western Zones continue to be closely monitored for community spread.

“Our case numbers continue to go in the right direction, thanks to the hard work of all Nova Scotians,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “This is the first weekend of Phase 2, so go out and enjoy Nova Scotia. But please follow the public health measures, and we’ll be able to progress through our reopening plan and enjoy summer in the province.”

As of today, Nova Scotia has 88 active cases of COVID-19. Of those, six people are in hospital COVID-19 units, including three in ICU. The median age of people hospitalized in the third wave is 52 for non-ICU and 55 for people in ICU.

On June 18, Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 4,224 tests.

“I encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as you can because good vaccine coverage is key to allowing us to continue reopening,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “I would also like to remind everyone to continue getting tested regularly, even after you’ve been vaccinated.”

Since April 1, there have been 4,047 positive COVID-19 cases and 24 deaths. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. There are 3,935 resolved cases. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.

Testing advice:
Nova Scotians with or without symptoms can book a test at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en for primary assessment centres across the province. Those with no symptoms are strongly encouraged to use pop-up sites if they want to be tested.

More information on testing can be found at https://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms is advised to self-isolate and book a COVID-19 test. Everyone they live with must also self-isolate until the person receives their first negative test result. If the test is positive, public health will advise everyone about what to do.

Anyone advised by public health that they were a close contact needs to complete a full 14-day quarantine, regardless of test results. If the close contact is symptomatic, everyone they live with must also self-isolate until the person receives their first negative test result. If the test is positive, public health will advise everyone about what to do.

Symptoms and self-assessment:
Nova Scotians should visit https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ to do a self-assessment if in the past 48 hours they have had or are currently experiencing mild symptoms, including:

— fever (i.e. chills/sweats) or cough (new or worsening)
— sore throat
— runny nose/nasal congestion
— headache
— shortness of breath/difficulty breathing

People should call 811 if they cannot access the online self-assessment or wish to speak with a nurse about their symptoms.

Anyone with symptoms should immediately self-isolate and book a test.

Quick Facts:
— a state of emergency was declared under the Emergency Management Act on March 22, 2020, and extended to June 27, 2021

Additional Resources:
More information on COVID-19 case data, testing and vaccines is available at: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/data/

Nova Scotians can find accurate, up-to-date information, handwashing posters and fact sheets at: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus

Nova’s Scotia’s five-phase reopening plan, announced May 28, 2021: https://novascotia.ca/reopening-plan/

Businesses and other organizations can find information to help them safely reopen and operate at: https://novascotia.ca/reopening-nova-scotia

More information about public health text notifications of positive COVID-19 cases and close contacts is available here: https://www.nshealth.ca/news/public-health-begins-contacting-positive-covid-19-cases-close-contacts-text-message

More information on what is considered essential travel is available here: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/travel/#from-outside-atlantic-canada

Government of Canada: https://canada.ca/coronavirus  or 1-833-784-4397 (toll-free)

The Mental Health Provincial Crisis Line is available 24/7 to anyone experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, or someone concerned about them, by calling 1-888-429-8167 (toll-free)

Anyone needing help with a non-crisis mental health or addiction concern can call Community Mental Health and Addictions at 1-855-922-1122 (toll-free) weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free)

For help or information about domestic violence 24/7, call 1-855-225-0220 (toll-free)

Source: Release #notw

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