Nova Scotia reports 15 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, updates asymptomatic tests – Halifax

Nova Scotia health officials reported 15 new coronavirus cases on Friday, bringing the total number of active cases in the province to 117.

Eleven of the new cases are located in the central area and include the Citadel High School related case reported Thursday evening.

Three other cases located in the northern area are close contacts of previously reported cases. Another case is travel related and is located in the western area.

School case identified

The province is also reporting a new school-related case at Park West School, identified on Friday.

“The person was not in school today and is self-isolated. The school will remain closed to students until Thursday 10 December, ”the province said in a statement.

Health officials say a deep cleanup will take place in Park West and students will learn from home during the closure.

“As with any positive case, public health will be in contact with all close contacts in this case and will advise on the next steps,” the statement read.

Anyone who is contacted by public health as a close contact should be tested and self-isolated for 14 days.

Asymptomatic tests

On Friday, the NS Department of Health told Global News that since October 1, the start of the second wave, 10 percent of all positive COVID-19 cases have been asymptomatic.

In the first wave, 15% of positive cases were reported as asymptomatic, spokeswoman Marla MacInnis said.

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“It is important to note that our testing strategy has continued to evolve since the beginning of the pandemic. The Wave 2 testing strategy has included an increased focus on asymptomatic testing,” said MacInnis.

MacInnis also said it’s important to note that “asymptomatic cases may later develop symptoms, so this percentage may vary as new information becomes available.”

In a provincial briefing on Friday afternoon, health officials said the province is extending asymptomatic testing to the entire province.

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“Over the past week, we’ve had double-digit case numbers every day, and most of them are in areas where we added restrictions last week. These restrictions are important in helping us slow the spread of COVID-19.” Premier Stephen McNeil said in a statement.

“Adding more opportunities for asymptomatic testing is another way to improve our testing strategy.”

The province continues Fr.Op-up rapid asymptomatic test for COVID-19 in HRM at the Halifax Central Library. This is available for people aged 16 to 35 without symptoms and who are not in close contact with confirmed cases.

The site will be available on Friday from 13:30 to 20:00 and Saturday from 10:30 to 18:00

The province says pop-up testing will also take place at the Zatzman Sportsplex in Dartmouth on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm. This test uses the normal PCR swab method, not the rapid test.

Update for rotating workers

Health chief Dr. Robert Strang announced Friday that asymptomatic tests will also be extended to workers on rotation.

Strang also called on New Scots to treat rotational workers fairly after hearing reports of workers being harassed online or denied services.

“Life is already challenging for them and their families, so please don’t make it more difficult,” he said in the briefing.

Rotating workers in Nova Scotia have a modified isolation order, where they don’t need to isolate themselves away from their family if they have no symptoms. They can leave their property for a walk, but they must keep a physical distance from anyone other than a family member.

Strang said shift workers are allowed to pick up their children from school, shop on the roadside, and use a drive-thru.

Starting Friday, this modified isolation will extend to rotating workers who also work outside the country, with clarification from the federal government, Strang said.

Asymptomatic tests will not be available on the sixth, seventh or eighth day of the isolation period. However, even if a negative test is received, self-isolation must continue until the end of the period.

Strang says this will help detect cases early while avoiding potential community spread.

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