HRM: As of today, April 2, Nova Scotia has 193 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Twenty new cases were identified Wednesday, April 1, and 900 COVID-19 tests were completed at the QEII Health Sciences Centre’s microbiology lab.
While most cases in Nova Scotia are connected to travel or a known case, as reported previously, there is one confirmed case of community transmission and more cases are expected to present.
To date, Nova Scotia has 7,446 negative test results and 193 confirmed cases. Those cases range in age from under ten to over 80. Five individuals are currently in hospital. Sixteen individuals have now recovered and their cases of COVID-19 are considered resolved. Cases have been identified in all parts of the province. A map and graphic presentation of the case data is now available at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/data .
Public health is working to identify and test people who may have come in close contact with the confirmed cases. Those individuals who have been confirmed are being directed to self-isolate at home, away from the public, for 14 days.
Anyone who has travelled outside Nova Scotia must self-isolate for 14 days. As always, any Nova Scotian who develops symptoms of acute respiratory illness should limit their contact with others until they feel better. If they are concerned about COVID-19 they can go to https://811.novascotia.ca/ and use the online assessment tool. Anyone referred to an assessment site by 811 will be tested.
It is now more important than ever for Nova Scotians to strictly adhere to the public health orders and directives – practise good hygiene, maintain a physical distance of two metres or six feet from others, limit essential gatherings to no more than five people and stay at home as much as possible.
Nova Scotians can find accurate, up-to-date information, handwashing posters and fact sheets at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus .
Today’s update will be livestreamed at 3 p.m. on https://novascotia.ca/stayinformed/webcast , @nsgov Facebook and YouTube channels.
Quick Facts:
— testing numbers are updated daily at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus
— Nova Scotia’s Health Protection Act gives the chief medical officer of health the authority to give advice to protect public health and decrease risk to public health presented by communicable diseases such as COVID-19
— a state of emergency was declared under the Emergency Management Act on March 22 and remains in effect until noon, April 5
Additional Resources:
Government of Canada: https://canada.ca/coronavirus
Government of Canada toll-free information line 1-833-784-4397
The Mental Health Provincial Crisis Line is available 24/7 to anyone experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, or someone concerned about them, by calling 1-888-429-8167 (toll free).
Kids Help Phone is available 24/7, by calling 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free).
NSHA update:
NSHA Public Health is advising of potential exposure to COVID-19 on Sunday, March 15 at Eagles Funeral Home in Westville, and the Alma Fire Hall.
This notification is being made out of an abundance of caution as Public Health now starts contact tracing 48 hours before symptom onset. These events fell within that 48-hour period.
People who may have been exposed at the funeral home or fire hall are just past the 14-day period where they should self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. If you were at those locations and you have developed any symptoms of COVID-19 since then, please call 811. This will help NSHA Public Health to identify any connected cases and will aid in containment efforts.
COVID-19 symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
If you have COVID-19 symptoms:
- Take the COVID-19 online self-assessment questionnaire to determine if you need to call 811.
- If needed, call 811 for assessment. Please self-isolate until you receive 811 advice on next steps.
- Do not go directly to a COVID-19 assessment centre without being directed to do so by 811.
When NSHA Public Health makes a public notification it is not in any way a reflection on the behavior or activities of those named in the notification.
All Nova Scotians are advised to continue monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms and are urged to follow Public Health guidelines on how to access care. Up to date information about COVID-19 is available at novascotia.ca/coronavirus
State of emergency extension requested
Cabinet met today, April 2, by teleconference and agreed to ask the lieutenant governor to extend the state of emergency for another two weeks.
The order would take effect at noon Sunday, April 5 and extend to noon, April 19.
