HALIFAX: Nova Scotia reported three deaths related to COVID-19 in its release for the weekend of Nov. 12-15.
Two people – a man and woman, both in their 80s – were residents of the East Cumberland Lodge long-term care home in Pugwash. Also in Northern Zone, a woman in her 60s has died; she was not a resident of a long-term care home.
“Too many Nova Scotians have lost their lives because of this virus and my heart goes out to the families and loved ones left behind,” said Premier Tim Houston. “I’m very upset and concerned that we now have deaths and climbing ICU numbers as a result of the current outbreaks.
“There are people who are more vulnerable to this virus even if they are vaccinated. We can protect them by being vaccinated ourselves. If you aren’t vaccinated this should be a good enough reason to take that step and get it done.”
The two deaths connected to the long-term care home will be reflected on the COVID-19 dashboard when it is updated Tuesday.
Nova Scotia is also reporting 99 new cases of COVID-19 and 109 recoveries since the last update November 12.
There are 52 cases in Central Zone, 25 cases in Northern Zone, 21 cases in Western Zone and one case in Eastern Zone.
There is community spread in Northern and Western zones, primarily related to ongoing transmission from a faith-based gathering that occurred in late October. This includes secondary transmission to other faith-based gatherings, workplaces and to East Cumberland Lodge.
Eight more residents and four additional staff members at East Cumberland Lodge have tested positive for COVID-19. A total of 30 residents and eight staff members at the home have now tested positive. Public and occupational health are working with the facility to prevent further spread. Increased public health measures and restrictions are in place.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the Nova Scotians who have passed away,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. “The case numbers continue to rise in connection with a gathering that took place at the end of October. Public health is working hard to contain the spread, and we expect to see declining cases soon.
“Regardless of where you live in Nova Scotia, please follow public health measures, stay home if you’re sick and if you haven’t done it yet, please get vaccinated.”
Over the past three days, 11 schools were notified of an exposure(s) at their school. As always, all staff, parents and guardians are notified of exposures if a positive case (student, teacher or staff) was at the school while infectious. A list of schools with exposures is available online: https://backtoschool.ednet.ns.ca/school-exposures
As of today, Nova Scotia has 265 active cases of COVID-19. Of those, 16 people are in hospital, including seven in ICU.
Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 3,115 tests on November 12; 2,464 tests on November 13; and 3,116 tests on November 14.
As of November 14, 1,595,200 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 773,294 Nova Scotians have received their second dose, and 7,713 eligible Nova Scotians have received a third dose.
Since August 1, there have been 2,017 positive COVID-19 cases and 11 deaths. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. There are 1,743 resolved cases. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.
Testing advice:
Nova Scotians with or without symptoms can book a test at: https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en for COVID-19 for COVID-19 testing centres across the province. Those eligible to receive asymptomatic testing are listed at: https://www.nshealth.ca/visit-covid-19-testing-site . Those with no symptoms who do not meet the criteria are encouraged to use one of the rapid testing pop-up sites if they want to be tested. Some public health mobile unit clinics also offer drop-in testing; this will be noted in promotions.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms is advised to self-isolate and book a COVID-19 test.
Anyone advised by public health that they were a close contact needs to complete a full 14-day quarantine, regardless of test results, unless they are fully vaccinated. If they are fully vaccinated at least 14 days before the exposure date, they do not need to self-isolate as long as they are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. They should still get tested and should monitor for symptoms up to 14 days after the exposure date.
If symptoms develop, they should get tested and self-isolate until they receive a negative test result.
Symptoms and self-assessment:
Nova Scotians should visit https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ to do a self-assessment if in the past 48 hours they have had or are currently experiencing:
— cough (new or worsening)
Or two or more of the following symptoms:
— fever (chills, sweats)
— headache
— runny nose or nasal congestion
— sore throat
— shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
People should call 811 if they cannot access the online self-assessment or wish to speak with a nurse about their symptoms.
Anyone with symptoms should immediately self-isolate and book a test.
Quick Facts:
— a state of emergency was declared under the Emergency Management Act on March 22, 2020, and has been extended to November 28, 2021
Additional Resources:
Nova Scotians can find accurate, up-to-date information, handwashing posters and fact sheets at: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus
More information on COVID-19 case data, testing and vaccines is available at: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/data/
