N.S. reports 13 new COVID-19 related deaths, drop in new cases, hospitalizations
Health officials in Nova Scotia are reporting a decrease in new deaths, cases and hospitalizations in the province's weekly COVID-19 update.
The province announced 13 deaths due to COVID-19 Thursday -- 11 fewer than the 24 deaths reported last week.
The data released Thursday covers a seven-day period ending May 23.
Dr. Robert Strang, the province's chief medical officer of health says, although the pandemic isn't over, he's optimistic about what the summer may hold.
"I know we're all looking forward to reconnecting with friends, family and loved ones. There are ways to do that safely and in a way that protects those at high risk: gather outside when you can, stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines and, if you're sick, stay home," said Strang in a news release Thursday.
AGE CONTINUES TO BE A FACTOR
The province says age continues to be the factor most closely related to severe outcomes from COVID-19.
Since the start of the Omicron wave, which began Dec. 8, 2021, the median age of lab-confirmed cases is 43, while the median age of hospitalizations and deaths is nearly double, at 71 and 81 respectively.
The province says the risk of hospitalization is also 10 times higher for those aged 70 and older, compared to people under 50, and the risk of death is more than 110 times higher for individuals over the age of 70.
Of the 13 deaths announced this week, 11 people -- or 85 per cent -- were 70 or older, and seven people – or 54 per cent – lived in long-term care facilities.
Since the start of the Omicron wave, Nova Scotia has reported 279 deaths related to COVID-19, with a median age of 81.
Since the start of the pandemic, the province has reported 391 COVID-19-related deaths.
HOSPITALIZATIONS
Health officials say 40 more people have been hospitalized with COVID-19 -- a drop of 19 from the 59 new hospitalizations reported last week.
Of those currently in hospital:
- eight are in ICU
- 29 per cent are unvaccinated
- the median age is 72
NEW CASES
Nova Scotia is reporting 1,584 new lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 -- 929 fewer cases than the 2,513 new cases reported last week.
Since the start of the fifth wave, the median age of PCR-confirmed cases is 43.
VACCINES AND BOOSTERS
As of Thursday, 65.5 per cent of Nova Scotians aged 18 and older have received a booster dose and 59,631 people have received a fourth dose of vaccine.
Second booster doses are available to residents of long-term and residential care facilities, adults 70 and over living in the community, and members of First Nations communities who are 55 and older.
According to the province, evidence shows immunity gained from vaccines wanes more quickly among those aged 70 and older, which is why a second booster dose is recommended for that age group.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.
BREAKING Israeli forces seize Rafah border crossing in Gaza, putting ceasefire talks on knife's edge
Israeli tanks seized control of Gaza’s vital Rafah border crossing on Tuesday as Israel brushed off urgent warnings from close allies and moved into the southern city even as ceasefire negotiations with Hamas remained on a knife’s edge.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
'It looked so legit': Ontario man books $7,700 luxury villa on Booking.com, but the listing was fake
An Ontario man says he was charged more than $7,700 to book a luxury villa on a popular travel website -- but the listing was fake.
Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA, citing her mental health
Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health.
Putin begins his fifth term as president, more in control of Russia than ever
Vladimir Putin began his fifth term Tuesday as Russian leader at a glittering Kremlin inauguration, setting out on another six years in office after destroying his political opponents, launching a devastating war in Ukraine and concentrating all power in his hands.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.