FALL RIVER/HALIFAX: The recent announcement of three new COVIOD19 cases—all confirmed UK variants—in N.S. residents who were not residing in the province left some scratching their heads on why they were added to the province’s numbers.
So, The Laker News asked the question they had heard from a few residents at Fall River coffee and ice cream shops in the couple days after April 15 to the COVID19 Media Line.
That question was: “Dr Strang, on Thursday the province reported three cases of the UK Variant, however the ones with it were not in N.S. Can you explain so Nova Scotians can understand how those count on our numbers, as there are quite a few who are wondering about this at Fall River coffee n ice cream shops?”
It had been hoped to ask Dr. Strang this question on the Tuesday COVID briefing however another commitment was on our assignment list at that time.
Of the three cases announced April 15, two were in Eastern Zone and the other case is in Western Zone. All are confirmed UK variant cases.
The people are not in Nova Scotia, but since they are Nova Scotia residents, they are included in the cumulative provincial data. These cases have no known close contacts in Nova Scotia.
Marla MacInnis, spokeswoman with the Department of Health and Wellness, explained the process.
“If a Nova Scotia resident is in another Canadian province or territory, their case is managed in that province but added to our provincial case count,” said MacInnis.
“Similarly, if a resident of another Canadian province or territory is in Nova Scotia and tests positive, their case is managed here by Nova Scotia Public Health, but their case is added to their home province or territory’s case count.
She said if an international traveller is in Nova Scotia and tests positive, their cases is managed by Nova Scotia Public Health and added to our provincial case count.
“We expect Nova Scotians to continue to comply with all public health protocols,” she said.
