561 New Cases of COVID-19

Today, December 28, Nova Scotia is reporting 561 new cases of COVID-19.

There are 430 cases in Central Zone, 54 cases in Eastern Zone, 39 cases in Northern Zone and 38 cases in Western Zone.

On December 27, NSHA's labs completed 4292 tests.

The Nova Scotia Health Authority is reporting one additional case related to an outbreak at a ward at the Halifax Infirmary site of the QEII Health Sciences Centre. There are now six patients who have tested positive. All patients are being closely monitored and other infection prevention and control measures are in place. Staff testing is underway.

Because of a spike in testing and positive cases, public health is experiencing delays in follow-up. All cases should contact their close contacts. Public health is prioritizing contact tracing in long-term care, healthcare facilities, correctional facilities, shelters and other group settings.

Information about testing, self-isolation and case management is available at: http://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirus .

Additional Resources:

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

Information on provincewide restrictions that took effect on December 22, and other public health measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19, is available at: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/restrictions-and-guidance/

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

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-notifying-positive-covid-19-cases-text-advising-notify-close-contacts

Government of Canada: https://canada.ca/coronavirus or 1-833-784-4397 (toll-free) .