Fourteen New Cases of COVID-19

As of today, Nov. 26, Nova Scotia has 114 active cases of COVID-19. Fourteen new cases are being reported today.

Twelve of the new cases are in Central Zone. One case is in Northern Zone and the other case is in Western Zone.

"New restrictions have come into effect today in much of Halifax Regional Municipality and parts of Hants County to help us to slow the spread of COVID-19," said Premier Stephen McNeil. "Please make yourself familiar with the new restrictions. We all have a responsibility to follow public health measures and keep each other safe."

Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 2,253 Nova Scotia tests on Nov. 25.

There were 856 tests administered at the rapid-testing pop-up site in downtown Halifax yesterday and five positive results. The individuals were directed to self-isolate and have been referred for a standard test.

"We’ve seen a great uptake for asymptomatic testing among Halifax bar staff and patrons. People are showing us how much they care about their communities by going to these pop-up rapid testing locations," said Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health. "This has allowed us to detect a few cases among asymptomatic people early on and helps to stop the spread of the virus.”

Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has had 38,434 negative test results, 167 positive COVID-19 cases and no deaths. No one is currently in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 70. Fifty-three cases are now resolved. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.

Visit https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ to do a self-assessment if in the past 48 hours you have had or you are currently experiencing:

• fever (i.e. chills/sweats) or cough (new or worsening)

Or: Two or more of the following symptoms (new or worsening):

• sore throat
• runny nose/ nasal congestion
• headache
• shortness of breath

Call 811 if you cannot access the online self-assessment or wish to speak with a nurse about your symptoms.

When a new case of COVID-19 is confirmed, public health works to identify and test people who may have come in close contact with that person. 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 of Atlantic Canada 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 remains important for Nova Scotians to strictly adhere to the public health order and directives - practise good hand washing and other hygiene steps, maintain a physical distance when and where required. Wearing a non-medical mask is mandatory in most indoor public places.

As of Nov. 23, rules concerning interprovincial travel within Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador have changed. The premiers of all four Atlantic provinces are cautioning against non-essential travel into neighbouring provinces. Starting Nov. 24, all non-essential travel into Prince Edward Island requires a 14-day self-isolation. Starting Wednesday, Nov. 25, all non-essential travel into Newfoundland and Labrador requires a 14-day self-isolation period. These changes will be in effect for two weeks. All public health directives of each province must be followed. Under Nova Scotia's Health Protection Act order, visitors from outside of Atlantic Canada must self-isolate for 14 days.

Nova Scotians can find accurate, up-to-date information, handwashing posters and fact sheets at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus .

Businesses and other organizations can find information to help them safely reopen at https://novascotia.ca/reopening-nova-scotia .

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 Nov. 29
• online booking for COVID-19 testing appointments is available for Nova Scotians getting a test at all primary assessment centres or at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax

Additional Resources:

Government of Canada: https://canada.ca/coronavirus

Government of Canada information line 1-833-784-4397 (toll-free)

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)

For help or information about domestic violence 24/7, call 1-855-225-0220 (toll-free)

For more information about COVID-19 testing and online booking, visit https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/symptoms-and-testing/

The COVID-19 self-assessment is at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/