N.S reports two new cases of COVID-19 Friday; warns of vaccine side effect
Nova Scotia is reporting two new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, as it touts its vaccination efforts in the province where almost 56 per cent of people are fully vaccinated.
Public health is also reporting one new recovery bringing the active number of cases to 12.
Both cases are in Central zone where one is related to a close contact of a previously reported case. The other is related to travel and is connected to the Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Halifax.
VACCINE SIDE EFFECTS
The province is advising Nova Scotians about an uncommon reaction to an mRNA vaccine called myocarditis and pericarditis, which has been reported in Canada, including in Nova Scotia.
Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, and pericarditis is inflammation of the outer lining of the heart.
Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, or feelings of a rapid or abnormal heart rhythm.
There have been 22 reported cases in Nova Scotia. Although most cases required hospitalization, they were relatively mild, and the individuals tended to recover quickly with conservative treatment and rest.
"It is important for Nova Scotians to understand both the benefits and potential risks associated with any vaccine in order to make an informed decision about vaccination," Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, said in a release.
"When it comes to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, the benefits of getting vaccinated far outweigh the risk of myocarditis and pericarditis."
These reactions are mostly experienced in people under 30 years of age within a week of receiving the vaccine. It also appears to be more common in males after the second dose.
Public health is urging everyone who is eligible for their second dose to move up their appointment so the province can reach its minimum target of 75 per cent of the population fully vaccinated, and move to the next phase of reopening by the end of August.
"Our collective efforts throughout the pandemic to follow restrictions and get tested have helped to limit COVID-19 activity in the province, but we can't stop here," said Strang.
"We now need everyone who can to get two doses of vaccine as soon as possible to add another and stronger layer of protection against the virus and its variants."
BREAKTHROUGH DATA
There have been 4,195 cases of COVID-19 from March 15 to July 21, 2021. Of those:
- 27 (0.6 per cent) were fully vaccinated
- 233 (5.6 per cent) were partially vaccinated
- 3,935 (93.8 per cent) were unvaccinated
There were 254 people hospitalized. Of those:
- 2 (0.8 per cent) were fully vaccinated
- 28 (11 per cent) were partially vaccinated
- 224 (88.2 per cent) were unvaccinated
Twenty-six people died. Of those:
- 1 (3.8 per cent) was fully vaccinated
- 3 (11.5 per cent) were partially vaccinated
- 22 (84.6 per cent) were unvaccinated
There were 3,517 tests administered between July 16 and 22 at the rapid-testing pop-up sites in Halifax, Dartmouth, Cole Harbour, Bedford and Sydney.
On July 22, Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 2,821 tests.
As of July 22, 1,271,948 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 541,389 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.