News release

Four New Cases of COVID-19

COVID-19
Health and Wellness

As of today, Jan. 17, Nova Scotia has 29 active cases of COVID-19. Four new cases are being reported today.

There is one case in each zone – Western, Northern, Eastern and Central. All are related to travel outside Atlantic Canada. The case in Central Zone is a student at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax who lives off-campus. All cases are self-isolating as required.

“Having active cases in all zones is a reminder that the virus still wants to spread around the province,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “But we are doing a good job limiting the spread and I encourage all Nova Scotians to stay vigilant by limiting social contact, wearing a mask, distancing and following all of the other public health protocols.”

Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 1,396 Nova Scotia tests on Jan. 16.

Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 141,223 tests. There have been 469 positive COVID-19 cases and no deaths. No one is currently in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 70. Four hundred and forty cases are now resolved. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.

“Active cases across the province show us that we cannot let our guard down,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “I want to thank Nova Scotians for continuing to take steps to prevent and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in their communities.”

The release yesterday, Jan. 16, incorrectly identified the Cape Breton University student as living off-campus. The student lives on-campus and is self-isolating, as required.

Post-secondary students returning to Nova Scotia from anywhere except Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador are strongly encouraged to visit https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ to book a COVID-19 test for day six, seven or eight of their 14-day self-isolation period. COVID-19 testing appointments can be booked up to three days in advance.

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/difficulty breathing

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, the person is directed to self-isolate at home, away from the public, for 14 days. Public health works to identify and test people who may have come in close contact with that person.

Anyone who has travelled from anywhere except Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador must self-isolate for 14 days. As always, anyone 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.

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 and operate at https://novascotia.ca/reopening-nova-scotia .

Quick Facts:

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)

If you need help with a non-crisis mental health or addiction concern call Community Mental Health and Addictions at 1-855-922-1122 (toll-free) weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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/

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