News release

Seven New Cases of COVID-19

COVID-19
Health and Wellness

Seven new cases of COVID-19 are being reported in Nova Scotia today, April 4.

Three cases are in Central Zone. Two are related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada. The other is a close contact of a previously reported case.

Three cases are in Western Zone. All are close contacts of previously reported cases. There is also one case in Eastern Zone related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada.

All cases have been self-isolating, as required.

“On a weekend when many of us are spending time with family and friends, let’s reflect on what this period of time was like last year,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “We have come so far, thanks to the commitment of Nova Scotians who continue to follow the precautions to keep our province safe.”

As of today, Nova Scotia has 34 active cases of COVID-19.

Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 1,579 Nova Scotia tests on April 3.

Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 314,695 tests. There have been 650 positive COVID-19 cases and one death. One person is in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. There are 615 resolved cases. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.

“While we continue to do well compared to other provinces, the reality is Nova Scotia will continue to see more cases,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “This is why we cannot be complacent about the virus and it is imperative that we continue to respect the public health measures and continue to get tested when recommended.”

Nova Scotians are strongly encouraged to seek asymptomatic COVID-19 testing, particularly if they have a large number of close contacts due to their work or social activities. 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 New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island 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.

Nova Scotians are asked to avoid non-essential travel to the city of Edmundston and surrounding communities in New Brunswick as a result of increased cases of COVID-19 in that area.

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/