Nova Scotia reported one new case of COVID-19 on Thursday.
The provincial Health Department said the case, identified Wednesday, is in the central zone and is under investigation by public health.
Nova Scotia now has six active cases, with five of those cases in the province's northern zone.
The microbiology lab at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax completed 575 Nova Scotia tests Wednesday.
On Thursday afternoon, the Nova Scotia Health Authority advised the public of potential exposures at two locations in Truro:
- Murphy’s Fish and Chips on 88 Esplanade St. on Aug. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m.
- 102 (Colchester) Wing Royal Canadian Air Force Association on 22 Cottage St. on Aug. 15 from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Paul Higgins, board chairman of 102 Wing Royal Canadian Air Force Association, said a guest who attended a lobster and steak barbecue on Saturday has since tested positive for the virus.
Higgins said the board of directors have decided to close the wing until Aug. 31 to cover the two week potential symptomatic period and also allow for a deep cleaning of the space.
"It is anticipated that anyone exposed to the virus at the locations on the named dates may develop symptoms up to, and including, 14 days after," the health authority said in a news release. "Those present at these locations on the dates identified should self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19."
Also Thursday, the province announced post-secondary students entering Nova Scotia from outside Atlantic Canada will require testing for COVID-19 along with 14 days of self-isolation. During those 14 days, students must undergo three separate COVID-19 tests.
"Students cannot attend in-person classes until their testing and self-isolation are complete and they have received negative test results," the province said in a news release.
"Universities and NSCC are contacting their students directly with information about these requirements and the process for getting tested. Students should direct any question to their institutions."
Nova Scotia Health Authority is setting up additional testing centres to test students during their self-isolation.
Students Nova Scotia, a not-for-profit group that represents post-secondary students, said it welcomes the mandatory testing.
“The introduction of mandatory testing protocols will ensure that students know their COVID-19 status, and in combination with self-isolation, will keep our campus communities and beyond safe,” said Lydia Houck, Students Nova Scotia vice chair.
Houck said international students will also be provided testing for free, which is a relief as most students who come from away rely on private insurance.
Anyone with any of the following symptoms is asked to visit 811.novascotia.ca to determine if they should call 811 for further assessment:
- fever (chills, sweats)
- cough or worsening of a previous cough
- sore throat
- headache
- shortness of breath
- muscle aches
- sneezing
- nasal congestion/runny nose
- hoarse voice
- diarrhea
- unusual fatigue
- loss of sense of smell or taste
- red, purple or bluish lesions on the feet, toes or fingers without clear cause
When a new case is confirmed, public health works to identify and test people who may have come in close contact with that person. Those who have been confirmed are being directed to self-isolate at home for 14 days.
To date, Nova Scotia has 69,762 negative test results, 1,077 positive COVID-19 cases and 64 deaths. One person is currently in hospital.
For more information, go to https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/.
