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Travelers arriving in Nova Scotia from outside the Atlantic provinces will now need to isolate themselves from family and friends, as new cases of COVID-19 continue to be identified among close family contacts.
Previously, travelers could isolate themselves with family or friends as long as physical distance was guaranteed and a separate bathroom was used. Other individuals in the home did not need to self-isolate but needed to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.
There are currently 16 known cases active in the province, all related to travel or close contacts of infected people.
Premier Stephen McNeil made the announcement on Monday, saying he was concerned about the growing number of cases in the Central Zone.
A new case in the area was reported on Monday and is a close contact of a previously reported case, according to a release from the provincial government.
McNeil said that if travelers don’t have the accommodations to isolate themselves, all family members must also isolate themselves.
“People need to understand that if they are bringing people into their homes … they are imposing complete 14-day isolation on themselves and their families,” said Dr. Robert Strang, the province’s health director.
Strang said it also includes the children of the home, who would not be able to attend school during solitary confinement.
New cluster of COVID-19 cases
Strang said a new batch of COVID-19 cases have been identified in the Clayton Park area of Halifax and public health is working to identify possible contacts.
He also reminded people of three possible exhibition areas announced this weekend, including:
- The Bitter End Martini bar and restaurant on Argyle Street in Halifax on November 2nd from 9pm to close.
- All Nations Full Gospel Church in adoration a United Church of Sant’Andrea on Coburg Road., Halifax on October 25 at 6pm
- Montana BBQ and bar on Chain Lake Drive in Halifax on October 25 from 6pm to close.
Anyone in these places was asked to call 811 to set up a test, even if they have no symptoms.
Strang said public health is working to make testing faster for those who may have been exposed in these places.
There have been a number of possible COVID-19 exposure warnings, including restaurants, Halifax transit buses, flights, sports facilities, and shops.
‘We are not here to judge’
Strang said anyone who gets a call from public health is reminded to be honest about where they have been to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia.
“We’re not here to judge, we’re just here to help people,” he said.
Five cases that were listed as active on Sunday are no longer considered active.
A government press release said Nova Scotia Health Authority labs completed 658 tests on Sunday, although due to a technical problem, the number does not include some tests from labs outside the Central Zone. The numbers will be updated when this information becomes available.
So far, Nova Scotia has had 1,129 positive cases and 65 deaths. No one is currently in the hospital.
The latest numbers of the Atlantic bubble are:
- New Brunswick reported a new case on Sunday. He had 24 active cases.
- Newfoundland and Labrador reported a new case on Sunday. He had seven active cases.
- On Friday, PEI reported two new cases of COVID-19, both of which are linked to travel outside the Atlantic bubble. He had two active cases.
Symptoms
Anyone with any of the following symptoms should visit the COVID-19 self-report website or call 811:
- Temperature.
- Cough or worsening of a previous cough.
Anyone with two or more of the following symptoms is also encouraged to visit the website or call 811:
- Burning throat.
- Headache.
- Shortness of breath.
- Rhinorrhea.
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