N.S. reports 24 new COVID-19-related deaths, drop in new cases, hospitalizations
Health officials in Nova Scotia are reporting an increase in new deaths in the province's weekly COVID-19 update.
The province announced 24 deaths due to COVID-19 Thursday – six more than what was reported last week.
That ties with the most deaths recorded in one week since the pandemic began.
The data released Thursday covers a seven-day period ending May 16.
"My thoughts are with the 24 families who've lost their loved ones to COVID-19," said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, in a news release Thursday.
"Getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, staying home when we're sick - these are small signs of respect to those families and to the many others whose lives have been, and still are, impacted by this virus."
The province says the risk of death is nearly 114 times higher for people aged 70 and older, compared to younger people.
Of the 24 deaths announced this week, 22 people -- or 91.7 per cent -- were 70 years of age or older, and nine people – or 37.5 per cent – lived in long-term care facilities.
Since the start of the Omicron wave, which began on Dec. 8, 2021, Nova Scotia has reported 266 deaths related to COVID-19, with a median age of 81.
Since the start of the pandemic, the province has reported 378 COVID-19-related deaths.
HOSPITALIZATIONS
Health officials say 59 more people have been hospitalized with COVID-19 -- a drop of six from last week’s numbers.
Of those currently in hospital:
- eight are in ICU
- 16 per cent are unvaccinated
The province says the risk of hospitalization is about 11 times higher for those aged 70 years and older, compared to younger people.
Since the start of the fifth wave, the median age of hospitalizations is 71.
NEW CASES
Nova Scotia is reporting 2,513 new lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 -- 605 fewer cases than what was 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 52,725 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 55 and older in Nova Scotia.
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.
According to the province, having at least one booster dose reduces the risk of hospitalization by 85 per cent and the risk of death by more than 92 per cent, compared to those who are unvaccinated or have only one dose.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration said Friday that Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary
The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.