Two new cases of COVID-19 are being reported in Nova Scotia today, March 28.

The cases are both in the Central Zone. One is related to travel and the other is under investigation.

Federally mandated testing confirmed one new UK variant case in the Central Zone. This person was tested earlier this month and their illness is considered resolved. The case is related to international travel. At this time, community spread has not been determined. Out of an abundance of caution, Public Health is asking Kings Wharf residents, as well as anyone who worked or visited any residences or businesses at this location from March 10 to March 27, to get tested for COVID-19, whether you have symptoms or not.

This brings the total number of cases of the UK variant in Nova Scotia to 14 and the South African variant remains at 10.

“While Nova Scotians have done well to keep our case counts low, we don’t have to look far to see examples of how fast the variants have spread in other provinces,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “Identifying a variant is a reminder that our situation can change very quickly. We must remain cautious.”

As of today, Nova Scotia has 25 active cases of COVID-19.

“Our strong adherence to public health protocols has helped us contain variant cases to date,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “We know that the variants spread more rapidly so it is very important that we are diligent with our testing and other public health measures each time a new case is identified.”

Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 2,585 Nova Scotia tests on March 27.

Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 294,319 tests. There have been 622 positive COVID-19 cases and one death. One person is in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 80. There are 596 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 New Brunswick and 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.

Nova Scotians are asked to avoid non-essential travel to the city of Edmundston and surrounding communities in New Brunswick as a result of increased cases of COVID-19 in that area.

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