Nova Scotia reports seven new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday including two connected to HMCS Halifax

HALIFAX -

Nova Scotia is reporting seven new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, along with three recoveries, as the active number of cases in the province rises to 11.

Six new cases were reported in the Central zone. Three involve close contacts of previously reported cases and three are related to travel. Two of the cases are connected to the Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Halifax and were previously announced by the Canadian Armed Forces.

One new case was reported in the Western zone and is related to travel.

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

Nova Scotia labs processed 3,141 tests on Tuesday, and have now processed a total of 1,003,798 since the start of the pandemic.

"This week, we broke the million-mark on lab-based testing since the start of the pandemic in March 2020," said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health in a news release.

"Testing has been critical in the fight against this virus. I want to thank Nova Scotians who stepped up time and time again to get tested and the many people who worked long and hard to establish and operate our testing program. While we work toward our minimum target of 75 per cent of Nova Scotians fully vaccinated, keep getting tested, especially if you have symptoms, and please, get your vaccine."

There have been 5,880 cumulative COVID-19 cases in Nova Scotia. Of those, 5,777 people have recovered, and 92 have died due to COVID-19.

According to a news release from Public Health on Wednesday afternoon, there are no people in hospital.

Since April 1, there have been 4,138 positive COVID-19 cases and 26 deaths. Of the new cases since April 1, 4,101 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: 293 cases (one active case)
• Central zone: 4,664 cases (nine active cases)
• Northern zone: 301 cases (no active cases)
• Eastern zone: 622 cases (one active case)

The provincial state of emergency, which was first declared on March 22, 2020, has been extended to July 25, 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, 1,240,114 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered, with approximately 74.9 per cent of the province's overall population having received at least one dose. Of those, 415,523, or 52.7 per cent of Nova Scotians have received their second dose.

The province says it has received a total of 1,354,970 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.

Wednesday, July 21:

• The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160 (Cole Harbour, 703 Main St, Dartmouth) from noon to 7 p.m.
• Halifax Convention Centre (1650 Argyle St, Halifax) from noon to 7 p.m.
• Alderney Gate (60 Alderney Dr., Dartmouth) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Centennial Arena (27 Vimy Ave., Halifax) from 3 p.m. 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