Nova Scotia identifies seven new COVID-19 cases over weekend, active cases rise to 16

HALIFAX -

Nova Scotia is reporting seven new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend, along with four recoveries, as the number of active cases in the province rises to 16.

According to the province's online dashboard, four new cases were identified in the province's Central zone, all related to travel.

Two new cases, both related to travel, were identified in the province’s Northern zone, and one new case was identified in the province’s Western zone, involving a close contact of a previously reported case.

Public Health says it is closely monitoring all four health zones for community spread.

Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 3,489 COVID-19 tests on August 6, 2,430 tests on August 7 and 1,673 tests on August 8. A total of 1,053,525 COVID-19 tests have been processed since the start of the pandemic.

There have been 5,907 cumulative COVID-19 cases in Nova Scotia. Of those, 5,798 people have recovered, and 93 have died due to COVID-19.

There are currently one person in hospital, in an intensive care unit, due to COVID-19.

Since April 1, there have been 4,165 positive COVID-19 cases and 27 deaths. Of the new cases since April 1, 4,122 are now considered resolved.

There are cases confirmed across the province, but most have been identified in the Central zone, which contains the Halifax Regional Municipality.

The provincial government says cumulative cases by zone may change as data is updated in Panorama, the province’s electronic information system.

The numbers reflect where a person lives and not where their sample was collected.

• Western zone: 297 cases (3 active cases)
• Central zone: 4,683 cases (11 active cases)
• Northern zone: 303 cases (2 active cases)
• Eastern zone: 624 cases (no active cases)

The provincial state of emergency, which was first declared on March 22, 2020, has been extended to August 22, 2021.

VACCINE UPDATE

The province's COVID-19 online dashboard provides an update on the number of vaccines that have been administered to date.

As of Monday, 1,395,011 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered, with approximately 76.7 per cent of the province's overall population having received at least one dose. Of those, 650,135, or 66.9 per cent of Nova Scotians have received their second dose.

The province says it has received a total of 1,556,210 doses of COVID-19 vaccine since Dec. 15.

All Nova Scotians are encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as they are eligible. COVID-19 vaccination appointments can be made online or by phone at 1-833-797-7772.

MORE WALK-IN TESTING OPTIONS

Nova Scotia Health is introducting several new walk-in testing centres and mobile units across the province.

Testing is open to anyone and can be convenient for out-of-province visitors arriving in Nova Scotia, public health said in a release.

A list of locations offering walk-in PCR COVID-19 testing in addition to testing by appointment can be found on the health authority's website. Rapid tests will not be offered at these locations.

Testing is available for all ages, for those who have symptoms, no symptoms (asymptomatic), have travelled or been to a potential exposure site and have been a close contact with a positive COVID case.

Public health is strongly encouraging Nova Scotians to seek asymptomatic COVID-19 testing, particularly if they have had several social interactions, even with their own social circle.

COVID-19 tests can be booked through the province's online self-assessment COVID-19 tool, or by calling 811.

People can also visit one of Nova Scotia’s rapid pop-up testing sites that continue to operate throughout the province.

Monday, August 9:

• Centennial Arena (27 Vimy Ave, Halifax) from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160 Cole Harbour (703 Main St, Dartmouth), from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Royal Canadian Legion- Branch 64, Tatamagouche (80 Queen St, Tatamagouche) from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Halifax Convention Centre (1650 Argyle St, Halifax) from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

COVID ALERT APP

Canada’s COVID-19 Alert app is available in Nova Scotia.

The app, which can be downloaded through the Apple App Store or Google Play, notifies users if they may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

LIST OF SYMPTOMS

Anyone who experiences a fever or new or worsening cough, or two or more of the following new or worsening symptoms, is encouraged to take an online test or call 811 to determine if they need to be tested for COVID-19:

• Sore throat
• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Runny nose/nasal congestion