Nova Scotia reports 30 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday

Nova Scotia reported 30 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, bringing the number of active cases to 247.

Twenty-six of the new cases are in the central zone, two are in the western zone and two in the eastern zone.

The province says there is community spread in the central zone among people 20-40 who are unvaccinated and participating in social activities.

Sixteen people are in hospital due to COVID-19, with five of them in intensive care.

The province says Nova Scotia Health labs completed 4,201 COVID-19 tests Tuesday.

It says 75.8 per cent of Nova Scotians are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Two more schools — Rocky Lake Elementary in Bedford and Duc d'Anville Elementary in Halifax — have now had COVID-19 exposure notifications issued for their schools.

"It is important to note that an exposure associated with a school does not mean there is spread within the school or that the initial case was first exposed to the virus in the school," the province said in a news release.

Proof of vaccination will soon be required for hospital visitors

Most visitors to Nova Scotia hospitals will be required to show proof of vaccination for COVID-19 when entering facilities effective next week.

Nova Scotia Health announced Thursday that support people and visitors must show evidence of their vaccination status or a medical exemption letter starting on Oct. 13.

The policy applies to designated family or support people of hospital patients as well as people accompanying patients for a scheduled test, appointment or procedure. Exemptions may be granted for people accompanying patients who are under 19, in labour and delivery or who require a substitute decision-maker.

Exceptions may also be made in certain situations, including if someone is critically ill or in end-of-life care, the health authority said in a news release. In those cases, support people must follow extra infection control measures.

Proof of vaccination will not be required for those seeking care or treatment at hospitals.

Atlantic Canada COVID-19 case numbers

• New Brunswick reported 116 new cases on Thursday. The province has 825 active cases and 55 people in hospital, including 31 in intensive care. New Brunswick is implementing a 14-day circuit breaker, which includes limiting Thanksgiving gatherings to single households.
• Newfoundland and Labrador reported nine new cases on Wednesday. The province has 132 active cases, and 14 people are in hospital.
• Prince Edward Island reported three new cases on Thursday, and has nine active cases.