HALIFAX -- Nova Scotia reported four new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, With 11 more cases considered resolved, the number of active cases has dropped to 88.

All of the new cases are located in the Central Zone. Three of the cases are under investigation while the fourth case is related to travel outside Atlantic Canada. The person has been self-isolating, as required.

With low case numbers on Saturday and Sunday -- a contrast from the previous weekend -- Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil expressed his appreciation.

"I am pleased to see the decline in new cases this weekend. It reflects Nova Scotians' commitment to following public health measures and doing their part to help slow the spread of COVID-19," said McNeil in a news release issued on Sunday. "I know it is difficult to be away from family and friends, but I want to encourage everyone to remain vigilant and continue our progress in containing the virus."

Despite the improved case outlook, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, Dr. Robert Strang, encouraged continued adherence to precautionary measures and new restrictions.

"It is encouraging to see new case numbers go below the double-digits we have been seeing but it is too soon to relax now," said Strang. "We must remain diligent and continue to follow public health orders and advice so we can keep our citizens safe."

NEW SCHOOL-BASED CASES

The province also announced two school-based cases of COVID-19 on Sunday.

One case has been identified at Ian Forsyth Elementary School in Dartmouth, N.S., and a case has also been identified at Berwick and District School in the province's Western Zone.

Both schools will remain closed to students until Thursday so a deep-cleaning can take place. Students will learn from home during this time.

Students and staff will receive an update on Wednesday.

Public health will be in touch with any close contacts of the cases and will advise of next steps. Anyone who is a close contact will be notified, tested and asked to self-isolate for 14 days.

POTENTIAL EXPOSURE ON TORONTO-TO-SYDNEY FLIGHTS

On Sunday evening, Nova Scotia Health issued a pair of advisories related to flights from Toronto to Sydney.

  • Air Canada flight 8210 travelling from Toronto (10:20 p.m.) on December 2 to Sydney (12:00 a.m.) on December 3.
  • Passengers in rows 14 to 18 should continue to self-isolate and book a COVID-19 test, regardless of whether or not they have COVID-19 symptoms.
  • All other passengers on this flight should continue to self-isolate as required and monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
  • It is anticipated that anyone exposed to the virus on this flight may develop symptoms up to, and including December 17.
  • Air Canada flight AC 8210 travelling from Toronto (10:55 p.m.) on November 18 to Sydney (12:16 a.m.) on November 19.
  • Passengers in rows 21 to 25, seats A, C, D and F.
  • All other passengers on this flight should continue to monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

CASE BREAKDOWN

On Saturday, Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 1,171 Nova Scotia tests.

Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia completed 75,833 tests. Of those tests, there have been 279 positive COVID-19 cases, of which 191 have recovered, leaving 88 active cases. There have been no deaths during Nova Scotia's second wave. No one is currently in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 70.

Since the start of the pandemic, Nova Scotia has conducted 199,004 COVID-19 tests and reported 1,368 positive cases. Of those, 1,215 are considered resolved and 65 people have died. Overall cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. 

Fifty-seven per cent of cases are female and 43 per cent are male.

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.

  • Western Zone: 63
  • Central Zone: 1,162
  • Northern Zone: 86
  • Eastern Zone: 57

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

SELF-ISOLATION AND MANDATORY MASKS

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is required to self-isolate at home, away from the public, for 14 days.

Anyone who travels to Nova Scotia from outside the Atlantic region for non-essential reasons is required to self-isolate for 14 days and must fill out a self-declaration form before coming to the province. Travellers must self-isolate alone, away from others. If they cannot self-isolate alone, their entire household must also self-isolate for 14 days.

Residents of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador are not required to self-isolate when travelling to Nova Scotia, but they must be prepared to provide proof of their place of residency at provincial borders.

Visitors from outside the Atlantic region who have already self-isolated in another Atlantic province for 14 days may travel to Nova Scotia without having to self-isolate again.

It is mandatory to wear a face mask in indoor public spaces in Nova Scotia.