Nova Scotia is reporting eight new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, the highest number of cases reported in a week.
This brings the total number of active cases in the province to 30.
Three of the cases are students at three universities, according to a release from the Department of Health and Wellness. One is a student at Cape Breton University in Sydney and one goes to St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish. Both students live off campus.
The third student goes to Saint Mary’s University and lives on campus.
The department said the three cases are related to travel outside Atlantic Canada and are self-isolating as required.
Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health, thanked post-secondary students for adhering to the public health protocols.
“So far, we have identified eight cases among post-secondary students, all of whom were strictly adhering to the public health measures that are in place to keep our communities safe."
Post-secondary students returning to Nova Scotia from anywhere except Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador are strongly encouraged to visit https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ to book a COVID-19 test for day six, seven or eight of their 14-day self-isolation period. COVID-19 testing appointments can be booked up to three days in advance.
The province is also reporting two more cases in the central health zone that are related to travel, but the people involved are not post-secondary students.
"We are seeing the importance of self-isolation and asymptomatic testing," said Premier Stephen McNeil in the news release.
"We will keep our case numbers low and protect each other if we all continue following the public health measures."
The remaining three cases reported Wednesday are in the northern health zone and are close contacts of previously reported cases.
Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 1,847 Nova Scotia tests on Jan. 12.
Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 133,428 tests. There have been 453 positive COVID-19 cases and no deaths. No one is currently in hospital.
COVID-19 symptoms
Anyone who has is currently experiencing or has experienced within the last 48 hours one of the following symptoms should visit https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ to do a self-assessment:
- new or worsening cough
- fever (i.e. chills or sweats)
Anyone experiencing two or more of the following symptoms (new or worsening) should also visit the website:
- sore throat
- runny nose or nasal congestion
- headache
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
People can call 811 if they can't access the online self-assessment or wish to speak with a nurse about their symptoms.
