Nova Scotia is reporting two new COVID-19 cases on Friday, bringing the total number of active cases to 19.
One new case is in the province’s northern zone, which includes Colchester-East Hants, Cumberland, and Pictou areas. It’s related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada and the traveller has been self-isolating, as required.
The other case is in the central zone, which includes the Halifax area, Eastern Shore and West Hants. The case is still under investigation.
Neither case is linked to the Clayton Park cluster announced on Monday. The last case related to the cluster was reported on Tuesday.
Dr. Robert Strang, the province’s chief medical officer of health, said during a live briefing Friday that he is now “less anxious” about the cluster.
There has been a great uptake in testing in response to the mutliple public exposure advisories related to the cluster. Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed over 4,000 tests since Monday, 1,019 of which were completed today.
Strang said investigation into the cluster revealed there is no broad community spread. The temporary assessment site which was planned to help people in the Clayton Park area easily access testing is no longer needed.
“However, we are not out of the woods, yet,” said Strang. “We will continue to monitor this cluster, but so far things are looking better than they were earlier this week.”
Strang said clear border restrictions, access to testing, and following public health measures are key in responding to any future spike in cases and preventing community spread. He also encouraged everyone to download the COVID Alert app as another tool that could help Public Health keep the virus under control.
New exposure advisories at Halifax restaurant, gym
Public Health is advising Nova Scotians of four potential exposures to COVID-19.
One of the exposures was at the Economy Shoe Shop Bar & Restaurant (1663 Argyle St., Halifax) on Nov. 8 between 8:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. In a Facebook post, the bar said they will be closing immediately.
"All of our group in both locations will be getting tested, and we will reopen once they’re all clear. Please be safe, and stay aware!" said the post.
Well, Halifax... it’s with heavy hearts we have to announce a potential exposure in The Basement of The Shoe on Sunday...
Posted by Economy Shoe Shop on Friday, 13 November 2020
Anyone present at the location during the specified period should monitor for COVID-19 symptoms which could develop up to, and including, Nov. 22.
The second exposure happened at the John W. Lindsay YMCA Gym (5640 Sackville St., Halifax) on Nov. 9 and 10 between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. Anyone present at the gym section of the facility during that time should monitor for COVID-19 symptoms which could develop up to, and including, Nov. 24.
And on Friday evening, the health authority sent out another advisory for two more locations:
- The Local Restaurant and Bar (2037 Gottingen St, Halifax) on Nov. 9 between 4 p.m. and close. Anyone exposed to the virus at this location and time may develop symptoms up to, and including, Nov. 23.
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Tim Horton’s (36 Verdi Drive, Bedford Commons, Bedford) on Nov. 12 from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. Anyone exposed to the virus may develop symptoms up to, and including, Nov. 26.
Updates to testing
Online booking for COVID-19 tests is available at all primary assessment centres and the IWK Health Centre as of Friday, said Premier Stephen McNeil during the briefing.
“This will drastically reduce the amount of time it takes to get COVID tests and it means you will get your results back sooner,” he said.
The gargle test for children is also available at all testing sites.
“Our message is to all Nova Scotians, if they feel unwell go online and do the online assessment,” said Strang. “And if you’re judged to need testing, you’ll automatically be directed to an online booking site for the primary assessment centres that are closest to you.”
Strang said recent delays in people getting their negative COVID-19 test results by email were due to “technological challenges.” The issues have now been resolved.
With the holidays season approaching, he said people should start limiting their social interactions and stop any unnecessary travel outside the Atlantic bubble.
He added that he can't define what essential travel is for people, but everyone should consider the reasons for their travel and defer it if it's not necessary.
"For families that have students that are studying outside of the bubble that might be thinking about coming home for the holidays, as tough as it is to say, the best choice would be for them to actually stay where they're at," said Strang.
Those choosing to travel to Nova Scotia should be prepared for self-isolating for 14 days in a space away from others. This means staying at a hotel, or at a completely isolated part, such as a basement suite, of a shared household where the traveller has access to their own bathroom. Everyone should adhere to the new self-isolation regulations released Monday.
COVID-19 symptoms
Anyone who is currently experiencing or has experienced within the last 48 hours one of the following symptoms should visit https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca for a self-assessment:
- new or worsening cough
- fever (i.e. chills or sweats)
People should also visit the website if they are experiencing two or more of the following symptoms (new or worsening):
- sore throat
- runny nose or nasal congestion
- headache
- shortness of breath
People can also call 811 if they can't access the website or if they wish to speak to a nurse. Anyone experiencing symptoms should self-isolate until they receive advice from Public Health on what to do next.
