SYDNEY, N.S. — A rotational worker who lives in or around Glace Bay is believed to be the person who recently tested positive for COVID-19.
Case numbers reported Friday include one new case in the eastern zone and nine in the central zone of Nova Scotia Health.
During the provincial COVID-19 public health update Friday, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang said five cases were due to close contact of a new case, three were under investigation and two were related to travel.
Strang did not confirm the case in the eastern zone was related to travel, however, a release sent later that afternoon did say the person was self-isolating as required.
ASYMPTOMATIC TESTING
When asked if people in Glace Bay should get tested for the virus even if they have no symptoms, Strang said public health wants everyone to get tested regardless of where they live.
"We're encouraging all Nova Scotians, whether they're concerned about the activities of someone in their community or not, we're encouraging all Nova Scotians to incorporate testing, whether it's asymptomatic or ... with one mild symptom," Strang said.
"Build COVID testing into your public health protocols and not just because you think somebody in your community may be doing something that they shouldn't."
Social media was ablaze with news of the positive case in Glace Bay, rumours of another worker with symptoms and a large house party where a the workers went instead of following self-isolation orders for traveling out of province.
The Cape Breton Post spoke to sources who were able to verify a rotational worker who had recently returned from Alberta had tested positive for the virus. The other rumours were not verified.
"People have to understand what the requirements for isolation is for different groups," Strang said.
"Rotational workers are actually allowed to be out and about in the communities with their family. So we've had this before where people are reporting that so and so shouldn't be out and about rather than knowing they are doing what they are allowed to do as a rotational worker."
Strang said if people have "legitimate evidence" someone is breaking public health safety protocols, they should call their local police non-emergency line and report it.
REIMPOSING RESTRICTIONS
With cases rising in Halifax, evidence of a possible new cluster and cases with unknown sources, Strang and Premier Iain Rankin said they were re-introducing restrictions in the HRM on eateries, theatrical and sporting events and non-essential travel.
Strang said the number of cases with unknown sources is "concerning" and that the province is quickly reimposing restrictions in attempts to stop an outbreak like the one currently happening in Newfoundland.
"We are activating what we call a circuit breaker in the HRM," he said. "We all need to take the health protection measures seriously even if we think we're not personally at risk."
Areas of HRM affected include up to and including Porters Lake, as well as the communities of Enfield, Elmsdale, Mount Uniacke and Hubbards effective 8 a.m. today, and continuing until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 26, with the possibility of an extension.
Restrictions include:
• Restaurants and other social establishments stop service by 9 p.m., everyone out by 10 p.m.
• Non-essential travel into and out of affected areas
• Sporting events, theatrical performances and other competitions or shows aren't allowed
• Rehearsals and practices are with gathering limits of up to 25 without physical distancing
Nicole Sullivan is an immigration/diversity and education reporter for the Cape Breton Post.
