Nova Scotia reported six new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, with the sources of all six infections known to be either contact with a previous case in the province or related to travel.
One case is in Eastern Zone and is related to travel outside Atlantic Canada, according to a news release. The person is self-isolating, as required.
One case is in Northern Zone and is a close contact of a previously reported case.
Four cases are in Central Zone. One is related to travel outside Atlantic Canada. The person is self-isolating, as required. The other three cases are close contacts of previously reported cases.
"The case count is a little higher today but it's good to see that none of the new cases are from unknown sources," Premier Iain Rankin said in the release. "These numbers reinforce the importance of being tested and continuing adherence to public health guidelines."
Also Saturday, Halifax Regional Police confirmed four of this week's positive tests were within the HRP workplace.
“Over the latter part of this week, and following the confirmation of an employee who had tested positive for COVID-19 on February 26, Halifax Regional Police has had confirmation of three additional employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 at a single facility,” an HRP watch commander said in an email.
“Since the first case came to light, HRP has been working closely with Public Health and continues to facilitate testing and self-isolation of employees, as directed and recommended by Public Health. Social distancing and cleaning protocols are being reinforced consistently.
The watch commander's email said HRP is considering the possibility of temporary flexible work arrangements and re-deployments that could offer extra protection to employees while causing minimal disruption to service delivery.
“The health and well-being of our employees and those we serve is paramount and we will continue to take every step to ensure every precaution is used as we deal with the effects of the ongoing pandemic on our workplace,” the email said.
As of Saturday, Nova Scotia had 29 active cases of COVID-19.
Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 4,404 tests on Friday.
Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 243,504 tests. There have been 568 positive COVID-19 cases and no deaths. Two people are currently in hospital. Of those, one is in ICU. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 80. There are 539 resolved cases.
"When you follow the public health measures you are preventing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping yourself and your community safe," Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, said in the news release. "Now is not the time to let our guard down. Continue to wash your hands, wear a mask, keep physical distance, stay home when you're sick, isolate when required, and get tested regularly."
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 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 www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting.
Visit 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 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.
