News release

Twenty-one New Cases of COVID-19

COVID-19
Health and Wellness

As of today, April 11, Nova Scotia has 428 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Twenty-one new cases were identified Friday, April 10.

“Easter and Passover are traditionally times of celebration, love and family get-togethers. But this year is going to look a little bit different,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “Please don’t have family dinners or get-togethers. Stay home and reach out to loved ones by phone or video chat or whatever is best. There will be other long weekends. There will be other times to see family and friends. But if we do not follow public health protocols, we reduce the chances of having those gatherings sooner.”

The QEII Health Sciences Centre’s microbiology lab completed 885 Nova Scotia tests on Friday, April 10 and is operating 24-hours.

While most cases in Nova Scotia have been connected to travel or a known case, there is now community spread. That is why travel has been removed as a requirement for testing for COVID-19.

The list of symptoms being screened for has also expanded. If you have two or more of the following symptoms, visit https://811.novascotia.ca/ to determine if you should call 811 for further assessment:

  • fever
  • new or worsening cough
  • sore throat
  • runny nose
  • headache

Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health, has a message for all Nova Scotia children during this difficult and confusing time for them.

“I want to remind Nova Scotians that not only is the Easter Bunny an essential service provider, he is an expert in physical distancing and has been practicing good paw-washing since he was just a young bunny,” said Dr. Strang. “If we continue to work together, we can follow the public health measures, stay safe and still have fun.”

To date, Nova Scotia has 13,632 negative test results, 428 positive COVID-19 test results and two deaths. Confirmed cases range in age from under ten to over 90. Eight individuals are currently in hospital, four of those in ICU. Ninety-five 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 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.

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 .

Quick Facts:

  • testing numbers are updated daily at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus
  • a state of emergency was declared under the Emergency Management Act on March 22 and extended to April 19
  • there are 22 primary assessment centres in Nova Scotia: 21 operated by Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) and one operated by the IWK Health Centre, temporary primary assessment centres are operating in two communities
  • two mobile assessment centres are being established by NSHA to do community-based testing; Emergency Health Services operates two field assessment units, one in Halifax Regional Municipality and one in Cape Breton Regional Municipality

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).