HALIFAX -- Nova Scotia is reporting six new deaths from COVID-19, bringing the province's total number of deaths to 22.
Five of the six new deaths were at Halifax's Northwood long-term care facility, where 16 of the province's 22 deaths have occurred.
The other death was a man in his 80s who died in the western zone of the province. He was not a resident of a long-term care home.
"Our province is experiencing a tremendous amount of pain right now. Our thoughts are with everyone who has lost a loved one from this virus," said Premier Stephen McNeil. "We stand together to grieve those who have died and to support those who are in mourning."
More cases at Northwood
As of Friday, 10 licensed long-term care homes and unlicensed seniors’ facilities in the province had confirmed cases of COVID-19, involving 191 residents and 90 staff.
Most of those cases are located at Halifax's Northwood long-term care facility, which reports two residents and eight staff had tested positive on Friday.
As of Saturday Northwood is reporting 172 residents and 66 staff having tested positive, as well as 16 of the province's 22 deaths.
Three Northwood residents are considered recovered and have been moved to a Halifax hotel serving as an 'off-site recovery unit'. Two more residents are expected to be transported to the unit tomorrow.
"We are heartbroken to announce that five more residents have passed away due to complications with COVID-19. We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families and friends of those who lost loved ones. We have been in direct contact to extend our support and offer our help in any way possible." said a statement on the Northwood website.
15 more cases
The province also reported 15 new cases of COVID-19 Saturday, bringing the province's total to 865.
Nova Scotia says 412 cases in the province have recovered and are now considered resolved.
"With the weekend upon us, I ask everyone to remain vigilant. Please stay home as much as possible, wash your hands and maintain physical distance," said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health. "Let's be able to look back and know we did everything we could to stop this virus from hurting any more of our fellow Nova Scotians."
Premier McNeil and Dr. Strang are not expected to hold a news conference on Saturday, Sunday or Monday.
The QEII Health Sciences Centre’s microbiology lab completed 965 tests on Friday. Nova Scotia has completed more COVID-19 tests per capita than any other province.
To date, Nova Scotia has 25,119 negative test results, and 22 deaths.
The confirmed cases range in range from 10 to over 90.
Eleven people are in hospital. Three patients are currently in intensive care units.
While most cases in Nova Scotia have been connected to travel or a known case, community spread has been confirmed, which is why travel has been removed as a requirement for testing.
22 COVID-19 related deaths
The six new deaths bring the provincial total to 22 COVID-19 related deaths, with 16 of those coming from Halifax's Northwood long-term health facility. 20 out of 22 deaths have been residents of long-term care facilities.
On April 25, the province announced six new COVID-19 related deaths. Five of the six new deaths were at Halifax's Northwood long-term care facility. The other death was a man in his 80s who died in the Western zone of the province. He was not a resident of a long-term care home.
On April 23, the province announced four COVID-19 related deaths. Three occurred at Northwood, while the fourth was a resident of Harbourstone Enhanced Care in Sydney, N.S.
On April 22, the province announced two COVID-19 related deaths, both occurring at Northwood.
On April 21, the province announced one COVID-19 related death, occurring at Northwood.
On April 19, the province announced two COVID-19 related deaths, both occurring at Northwood.
On April 18, the province announced three COVID-19 related deaths, all occurring at Northwood.
On April 17, the province announced one COVID-19 related death, a woman in her 80s who died in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. It was later revealed that she was a resident of Harbourstone Enhanced Care in Sydney, N.S.
On April 13, the province announced one COVID-19 related death, a man in his 80s who died at the Admiral Long Term Care Centre in Dartmouth, N.S.
On April 9, the province announced one COVID-19 related death, a woman in her 90s who died in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on April 8.
On April 7, the province announced its first COVID-19 related death, a woman in her 70s who died in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on April 6. It was later revealed that she was a resident at the Northside Community Guest Home in North Sydney, N.S.
Where are the cases located?
There are confirmed COVID-19 cases across the province. More details are available in an online map, which breaks down the cases according to the Nova Scotia Health Authority’s four zones.
14 of the 15 new cases reported Saturday are located in the central zone, which contains the Halifax Regional Municipality. The other new case was in the Eastern zone.
- Western zone: 54 cases
- Central zone: 723 cases
- Northern zone: 38 cases
- Eastern zone: 50 cases
Public health is working to identify and test anyone who may have come in close contact with a confirmed case. Individuals who have tested positive are being told to self-isolate at home for 14 days.
Anyone who travelled outside of Nova Scotia is required to self-isolate for 14-days upon return.
COVID-19 symptoms to screen for
The symptoms for which COVID-19 is being screened have recently expanded.
Anyone with two or more of the following symptoms is asked to take an online questionnaire to determine if they should call 811 for further assessment.
- fever
- new or worsening cough
- sore throat
- runny nose
- headache
This is a developing story, more to come.
