Nova Scotia identifies three new COVID-19 cases Wednesday; active cases rise to 19

HALIFAX -

Nova Scotia reported three new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, along with one recovery, as the number of active cases in the province rises to 19.

According to the province's online dashboard, two new cases were identified in the province's Central zone and one in the Eastern zone. They are all related to travel.

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

Nova Scotia labs processed 3,072 tests on Tuesday, and have processed a total of 1,058,956 since the start of the pandemic.

There have been 5,911 cumulative COVID-19 cases in Nova Scotia. Of those, 5,799 people have recovered, and 93 have died due to COVID-19.

There is currently one person in hospital in the ICU.

Since April 1, there have been 4,169 positive COVID-19 cases and 27 deaths. Of the new cases since April 1, 4,123 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: 4,686 cases (14 active cases)
• Northern zone: 303 cases (2 active cases)
• Eastern zone: 625 cases (no active cases)

The provincial state of emergency, which was first declared on March 22, 2020, has been extended to Aug. 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 Wednesday, 1,400,666 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered, with approximately 76.8 per cent of the province's overall population having received at least one dose. Of those, 654,766 (67.4 per cent) Nova Scotians have received their second dose.

The province says it has received a total of 1,613,210 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 may be a convenient option 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-19 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.

Wednesday, August 11:

• Alderney Gate Building (60 Alderney Dr, Dartmouth) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Halifax Convention Centre (1650 Argyle St, Halifax) from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Chester Middle Area School (204 Duke St, Chester) from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160 Cole Harbour (703 Main St, Dartmouth), from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Centennial Arena (27 Vimy Ave, Halifax) from 3 to 8 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