One New Case of COVID-19
As of today, Feb. 8, Nova Scotia has eight active cases of COVID-19. One new case is being reported today.
The case is in Central Zone and is related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada. The person is self-isolating, as required.
“Because of Nova Scotians’ hard work and sacrifice to keep the virus contained, today we are able to ease some restrictions,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “I ask everyone to respect the new rules and continue following all of the public health practices that have got us to where we are today.”
Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 953 Nova Scotia tests on Feb. 7.
Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 170,937 tests. There have been 497 positive COVID-19 cases and no deaths. One person is currently in hospital, in ICU. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 70. Four hundred and eighty-nine cases are now resolved. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.
As of Feb. 7, 18,219 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 5,134 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.
“Just because we are easing restrictions does not mean we can start to be complacent,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “We know how easily the virus can spread, so we must continue to follow all of the public health measures – wear a mask, limit social contacts, practise social distancing, adhere to the gathering limit, stay home if you feel unwell and wash your hands.”
Nova Scotians are strongly encouraged to seek asymptomatic COVID-19 testing, particularly if they have had several social interactions, even within their own social circles. Appointments can be booked at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/, by choosing the asymptomatic option. Rapid testing pop-up sites continue to be set up around the province as well. More information on testing can be found at https://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting.
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 information on COVID-19 case data, testing and vaccines is available at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/data/
- a state of emergency was declared under the Emergency Management Act on March 22, 2020 and extended to Feb. 21, 2021
- online booking for COVID-19 testing appointments is available at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/
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/