Nova Scotia reports eight new COVID-19 cases Thursday; active infections rise to 32

HALIFAX -

Health officials in Nova Scotia are reporting eight new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, as well as one recovery, as the active number of cases in the province rises to 32.

Six of the new cases were identified in the province's Central zone. Five are related to travel and one is under investigation.

One case was identified in the Eastern zone involving a close contact of a previously reported case, and one in the Northern zone, related to travel.

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

COVID-19 CASE DATA

Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 3,272 COVID-19 tests on Wednesday. A total of 1,082,465 COVID-19 tests have been processed since the start of the pandemic.

According to the province's online COVID-19 dashboard, there have been 5,946 cumulative COVID-19 cases in Nova Scotia. Of those, 5,821 people have recovered, and 93 have died due to COVID-19.

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

Since April 1, there have been 4,204 positive COVID-19 cases and 27 deaths. Of the new cases since April 1, 4,145 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: 298 cases (2 active cases)
• Central zone: 4,711 cases (22 active cases)
• Northern zone: 307 cases (4 active cases)
• Eastern zone: 630 cases (4 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 Thursday, 1,418,472 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered.

In total, 77.2 per cent of the province's overall population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, while 68.8 per cent of Nova Scotians have received their second dose.

The province says it has received a total of 1,661,240 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 has introduced 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.

Thursday, August 19:

• Alderney Gate Building (60 Alderney Dr, Dartmouth) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Halifax Convention Centre (1650 Argyle St, Halifax) from noon to 7 p.m.
• Dartmouth Summer Sunshine Series (94 Alderney Dr, Dartmouth) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Halifax Pride Festival (5565 Sackville St, Halifax) from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Centennial Arena (27 Vimy Ave, Halifax) from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Mobile Pop Up - Point Pleasant Park (Lower Parking Lot, Halifax) from 11 a.m. to 6:30pm

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