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HALIFAX – Nova Scotia reported 11 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, bringing the total number of active cases to 126.
Ten of the cases are in the Central Zone, one case is in the West Zone.
With the new COVID-19 restrictions going into effect Thursday, Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil says it’s imperative that residents make a collective effort.
“Following the new restrictions in the greater Halifax area, we are working together to contain the spread of the virus,” McNeil said in a press release Sunday. “And wherever you live in the province, we all have a role to play, limiting non-essential travel and following all protocols: limiting social contacts, practicing social distancing, wearing a mask and washing your hands. This is how we will flatten the curve. “
“No matter where you live in Nova Scotia, it is important to follow all public health measures,” said Dr Robert Strang, Nova Scotia Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Although most of the cases are in the Central Zone, COVID-19 can easily find its way to other parts of the province. We must all remain vigilant and continue to work to limit the spread within and outside Halifax. “
NEW CASE BASED ON SCHOOL
On Sunday evening, the province noted that another case has been identified. The case is connected to the Northeast Kings Education Center in Canning, NS, located in the western area.
The Northeast Kings Education Center has been closed since its first COVID-19 case was announced on Tuesday. The province says a public health investigation in the coming days will determine whether the latest case was a close contact of the first confirmed case. The province notes that, given that the school was closed, the new case is not believed to have been in school while it was contagious.
To allow for contact tracking and testing to be completed, and for an abundance of caution, the Northeast Kings Education Center will be closed for the week and students will be supported as they learn at home.
As with any positive case of COVID-19, public health will contact all close contacts of the case and advise them on the next steps. Anyone who is in close contact will be notified, tested and invited to self-isolate for 14 days.
CASE BREAK
On Saturday, Nova Scotia Health Authority labs completed 2,254 Nova Scotia tests.
As of October 1, Nova Scotia has had 44,909 negative test results and 201 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of these cases, 75 cases are considered resolved and none have died from the novel coronavirus, leaving 126 active cases in the province.
There is no one in the hospital due to COVID-19.
The confirmed cases of the province are aged between 10 and over 70 years.
There are confirmed cases throughout the province, but most have been identified in the central area, which contains the Halifax regional municipality.
The provincial government says cumulative cases by area may change as data is updated in Panorama, the province’s electronic information system. The province noted on Sunday that the website would not be updated that day due to technical difficulties.
QUICK TESTS
On Saturday, 540 tests were administered at a quick test pop-up site in Dartmouth with a positive result. The individual was directed to self-isolate and was sent for a standard test.
Despite only seeing a positive result during Saturday’s rapid tests and new lower case numbers, microbiology expert Dr. Todd Hatchett, continue to urge caution.
“There’s usually a two-week delay from a peak,” says Hatchett, who was attending a quick test event at the Woodlawn Public Library in Dartmouth on Sunday. “We haven’t gotten past that point where we can say that people who have had contacts can’t spread those infections.”
Hatchett says much of the success in the fight against COVID-19 is happening at the forefront of community-based rapid test sites.
At rapid test sites, volunteers ask people a variety of questions, including questions about the COVID-19 status of their close contacts and family members. After being questioned, people take a quick test.
“I think it’s wonderful that they put all of this together,” says resident Ruby Blois. “There are a lot of amazing volunteers. I’ll give them top marks for a great effort.”
Rapid test site volunteer Patrick LeClair – who has no medical science background – signed up to help as a form of community service. Note that the training for the volunteers is thorough.
“Whenever I enter, they guide us through the training,” says LeClair. “This is a great opportunity to be a part of it; this is a great opportunity and a historic moment here in Nova Scotia and around the world.”
Dr. Lisa Barrett states that the sites are operated and operated by qualified doctors and medical professionals; however, to be successful, they rely on volunteers.
“We asked for community volunteers and we got them, overwhelmingly,” Barrett says.
Volunteers’ duties include asking screening questions, processing the results, and administering the actual COVID-19 test.
“A week ago, if you had told me that I was going to swab people for COVID-19, I wouldn’t have believed it,” says LeClair. “It’s great to be here to help people through the process.”
Barrett notes that volunteers range from young to old with diverse professional backgrounds, all valued for their efforts.
“People learn very quickly and they are good at it,” says Barrett. “There is no one who has trained to be a buffer or a tester that hasn’t really worked out very well.”
Meanwhile, rapid test sites are expected in various locations throughout HRM, as well as some out-of-town parts of Nova Scotia in the coming weeks.
COVID ALERT APP
Canada’s COVID-19 Alert App is available in Nova Scotia.
The app, which can be downloaded via the Apple App Store or Google Play, alerts users if they may have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
LIST OF SYMPTOMS
Anyone who has a new or worsening fever or cough, or two or more of the following new or worsening symptoms, are encouraged to take an online test or call 811 to determine if they should be tested for COVID-19:
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Burning throat
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Headache
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Shortness of breath
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Runny nose / nasal congestion
SELF-INSULATION AND MANDATORY MASKS
Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is required to self-isolate at home, away from the public, for 14 days.
Anyone traveling to Nova Scotia from outside the Atlantic region for non-essential reasons is required to self-isolate for 14 days and must complete a self-certification form before traveling to the province. Travelers must isolate themselves, away from others. If they cannot self-isolate on their own, the whole family must also self-isolate for 14 days.
Residents of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador are not required to self-isolate when traveling to Nova Scotia, but must be prepared to provide proof of their place of residence at the provincial borders.
Visitors from outside the Atlantic region who have already self-isolated in another Atlantic province for 14 days can travel to Nova Scotia without having to isolate themselves again.
It is mandatory to wear a face mask in indoor public spaces in Nova Scotia.
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