Eight New Cases of COVID-19, Three Recoveries

Today, July 3, Nova Scotia is reporting eight new cases of COVID-19 and three recoveries.

Four cases are in Central Zone and are close contacts of previously reported cases.

The four other cases are in Eastern Zone. Three are close contacts of previously reported cases and one is under investigation.

There is limited community spread in Central Zone. Eastern, Northern and Western Zones continue to be closely monitored for community spread.

"While we’ve seen case numbers in the single digits over the past few days, today’s number is a reminder that we can’t let our guard down,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “This morning I dropped into the Fall River Shoppers Drug Mart, and owner Brian MacDonald told me about how well the vaccination program is rolling out. Thanks to him and all of our pharmacies for being part of our vaccine program and success in keeping COVID case numbers low. Get vaccinated; get tested."

As of today, Nova Scotia has 52 active cases of COVID-19. Of those, two people are in hospital COVID-19 units.

On July 2, Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 2,913 tests.

“I encourage all Nova Scotians to get tested regularly and ensure you continue to keep a physical distance and wear a mask. Get both doses of your vaccine as soon as you can, if you haven’t already,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “Doing all of this will help limit spread of the virus and allow us to have a more normal summer.”

Since April 1, there have been 4,108 positive COVID-19 cases and 26 deaths. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. There are 4,030 resolved cases. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.

Testing advice:

Nova Scotians with or without symptoms can book a test at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en for primary assessment centres across the province. Those with no symptoms are strongly encouraged to use pop-up sites if they want to be tested.

More information on testing can be found at https://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting .

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms is advised to self-isolate and book a COVID-19 test. Everyone they live with must also self-isolate until the person receives their first negative test result. If the test is positive, public health will advise everyone about what to do.

Anyone advised by public health that they were a close contact needs to complete a full 14-day quarantine, regardless of test results. If the close contact is symptomatic, everyone they live with must also self-isolate until the person receives their first negative test result. If the test is positive, public health will advise everyone about what to do.

Symptoms and self-assessment:

Nova Scotians should visit https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ to do a self-assessment if in the past 48 hours they have had or are currently experiencing mild symptoms, including:

• fever (i.e. chills/sweats) or cough (new or worsening)
• sore throat
• runny nose/nasal congestion
• headache
• shortness of breath/difficulty breathing

People should call 811 if they cannot access the online self-assessment or wish to speak with a nurse about their symptoms.

Anyone with symptoms should immediately self-isolate and book a test.

Quick Facts:

• a state of emergency was declared under the Emergency Management Act on March 22, 2020, and extended to July 11, 2021

Additional Resources:

More information on COVID-19 case data, testing and vaccines is available at: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/data/

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

Nova's Scotia's five-phase reopening plan, announced May 28, 2021: https://novascotia.ca/reopening-plan/

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

More information about public health text notifications of positive COVID-19 cases and close contacts is available here: <https://www.nshealth.ca/news/public-health-begins-contacting-positive-covid-19-cases-close-contacts-text-message<br> clear='all'/> More information on what is considered essential travel is available here: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/travel/#from-outside-atlantic-canada

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

Anyone needing help with a non-crisis mental health or addiction concern can 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)