Nova Scotia reports 6 new COVID-19 cases Sunday

Nova Scotia reported six new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, the highest daily number in two weeks. 

Four of the new cases are in the central health zone. Three are close contacts of previously reported cases and one is related to travel outside the region.

Two cases are in the eastern zone and are related to travel outside the region. 

All of the new cases identified are self-isolating.

The province now has 21 known active cases. There are no hospitalizations in the province related to the virus.

Nova Scotia Health labs completed 1,585 tests on Saturday. 

In a news release, Premier Iain Rankin noted that Sunday is the last day of March break and urged teachers and children to remain vigilant. 

"Please remember to keep doing what we have been doing so well all along," he said.  "Keep our social circles small, follow public health measures and get tested," 

As of Friday, 58,036 doses of vaccine had been administered in Nova Scotia, including 20,050 second doses.

Ten community clinics and 15 pharmacies are administering COVID-19 vaccine to all Nova Scotians who are 80 and older based on birth month, while 25 pharmacies and physician offices are bringing AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine to those ages 60-64.

The first COVID-19 vaccinations in a primary care clinic took place Saturday at a walk-in clinic in Truro.

All appointments need to be booked in advance, and can be done online here.

Various restrictions on long-term care, restaurants, sports and other areas were lifted Saturday for those in the Halifax Regional Municipality and other designated areas. 

New Brunswickers coming into Nova Scotia also now no longer have to self-isolate when entering Nova Scotia.

But, Nova Scotians going to New Brunswick will still have to self-isolate for two weeks upon arrival there. While Nova Scotia has reopened its border, New Brunswick is not planning to do the same. 

New exposure sites

On Sunday Nova Scotia Health reported eight new potential exposure sites in Dartmouth.

Anyone who worked at or visited the following locations on the specified dates and times should book a COVID-19 test on the self-assessment website or by contacting 811, regardless of whether they have COVID-19 symptoms. 

Individuals who were at the following locations during the listed times do not have to self-isolate while they await test results, unless they have symptoms of COVID-19.

• Walmart at 900 Cole Harbour Rd., Dartmouth,  on March 15 between 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Anyone exposed may develop symptoms through March 29.
• Atlantic Superstore at 920 Cole Harbour Rd., Dartmouth, on March 15 between 12:30-2 p.m. Anyone exposed may develop symptoms through March 29.
• Atlantic Superstore at 650 Portland St., Dartmouth, on March 16 between 3-4:10 p.m. and 6:30-8 p.m. Anyone exposed may develop symptoms through March 30.
• Sobeys Penhorn at 551 Portland St., Dartmouth, on March 17 between 2:45-4:15 p.m. and 6:30-8 p.m. Anyone exposed may develop symptoms through April 1.
• No Frills at 118 Wyse Rd., Dartmouth, on March 18 between 10-11:40 a.m. Anyone exposed may develop symptoms through April 1
• Laura Secord, Mic Mac Mall at 21 Micmac Blvd., Dartmouth, on March 18 between 10:45 a.m.-noon. Anyone exposed may develop symptoms through April 1.
• Bulk Barn, Woodlawn Plaza at 114 Woodlawn Rd., Dartmouth, on March 18 between 11:25 a.m.-12:40 p.m. Anyone exposed may develop symptoms through April 1.
• Giant Tiger, Woodlawn Plaza, at 114 Woodlawn Rd.,  Dartmouth, on March 18 between 11:45 a.m.--12:55 p.m. Anyone exposed may develop symptoms through April 1.

Atlantic Canada case numbers

• Newfoundland and Labrador reported no new cases on Sunday. The province has five known active cases, and one person is in hospital with the virus.
• New Brunswick reported one new case on Sunday for a total of 49 known active cases. Two people are in hospital with the virus.
• P.E.I. reported four cases on Friday. There are now eight known active cases on the Island