Nova Scotia is adding one more tool to the province's COVID-19 control toolbox.
According to a news release, people in Nova Scotia will now be able to use Canada's COVID exposure notification app, called COVID Alert.
"I would encourage Nova Scotians who are able, to download and use COVID Alert as one measure to prevent and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our province," said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, in the release.
The app, which is free and voluntary, is available for download on the Apple app store and the Google Playstore.
When a user downloads the app, it sends randomly generated codes via Bluetooth to people who have come within two metres of the user for at least 15 minutes and who also have the app. If a person tests positive for COVID-19, the health authority will give them a one-time key they can enter into the app. The app would then notify the people who were in close proximity as they may be at risk of having COVID-19 and provide them with advice from public health officials on what to do next.
The app has been criticized for its inaccessibility to seniors and people from marginalized communities. So far, the app only works with iPhones or Android phones released within the past five years. This could mean that anything older than iPhone 6s or Samsung Galaxy S6 might not work. The app also requires an internet connection, through Wi-Fi or a data plan, at least once a day to function properly.
On Wednesday, Premier Stephen McNeil said the app is not a "solution for everyone."
"It's just another chance for us to track this virus and we will continue to look at other ways that we can support Nova Scotian citizens to keep them safe," he said.
According to the federal government, the app doesn't intentionally collect any personally identifiable information or track people's locations. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner was also consulted throughout the app's development.
"Nova Scotians are reminded that they should continue to follow all public health measures in place, regardless if they use the COVID Alert app," said Strang in the release.
Three active COVID-19 cases remain
Nova Scotia is reporting no new COVID-19 cases Thursday.
One case is considered resolved as of Thursday, bringing the total number of active cases in the province to three. There are now 1,024 resolved cases.
The latest cases were identified last Saturday in the health authority's central zone, which includes the Halifax area, Eastern Shore and West Hants. Two of the cases were related to travel outside Canada, and the third was related to the travellers. The three people had been self-isolating.
On Wednesday, Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 907 Nova Scotia tests. To date, Nova Scotia has 102,918 negative test results, 1,092 positive COVID-19 cases and 65 deaths.
Numbers from the Atlantic bubble
Eight new cases were announced in New Brunswick on Wednesday. Most of the cases are related to two outbreaks in the Moncton and Campbellton areas. As of Thursday, the total number of active cases in the province is 89.
On Wednesday, McNeil and Strang said Nova Scotia will keep borders open with the province, despite rising cases.
"Our colleagues tell us the cases are in known facility, family, or social group clusters. They have not identified community spread at this time," said Strang. "There is no evidence of increased risk to people travelling to or through these areas in New Brunswick."
Prince Edward Island has three active cases. No new cases were announced Thursday.
Newfoundland and Labrador reported one new case Thursday, increasing the number of active cases in the province to nine.
COVID-19 symptoms
Anyone who is currently experiencing or has experienced within the last 48 hours one of the following symptoms should visit https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca for a self-assessment:
- new or worsening cough
- fever (i.e. chills or sweats)
People should also visit the website if they are experiencing two or more of the following symptoms (new or worsening):
- sore throat
- runny nose or nasal congestion
- headache
- shortness of breath
People can also call 811 if they can't access the website or if they wish to speak to a nurse. Anyone experiencing symptoms should self-isolate until they receive advice from Public Health on what to do next.
