COVID-19 cases hit 407 in Nova Scotia as 34 new ones announced

Confirmed cases of COVID-19 climbed to 407 in Nova Scotia on Good Friday, with the province announcing 34 new positive test results.

There are currently eight people in hospital, four of whom are in the intensive care unit. In a news release, the province said the QEII Health Science Centre's microbiology lab completed 915 Nova Scotia tests on Thursday.

Ninety-three people have recovered from COVID-19 in Nova Scotia.

So far, two people have died. Both deaths happened this week.

Nova Scotia has reported 13,014 negative test results for COVID-19.

The province recently expanded the list of symptoms being screened for COVID-19. They are:

• Fever.
• New or worsening cough.
• Sore throat.
• Runny nose.
• Headache.

Anyone with two or more of those symptoms should visit 811's website for a self-assessment questionnaire to determine if 811 should be called for further assessment.

"We have removed travel from the screening criteria for COVID-19 and increased our lab capacity so that we're now processing close to a thousand tests every day," Premier Stephen McNeil said in a news release.

"That means we are finding more cases, including those with mild symptoms."

2nd Halifax Transit driver tests positive

On Friday evening, Halifax Regional Municipality announced a second Halifax Transit driver had tested positive for COVID-19.

In a news release, the municipality said the driver's last shift was on March 31. Buses and work spaces entered by the driver have been cleaned, the release said. 

"Halifax Transit is working with Public Health to investigate the situation. Public Health has been in contact with the person who tested positive for COVID-19, and will complete contact tracing to identify all those who have been in close contact with the individual," said the release.

"Public Health will contact those who must self-isolate and will test anyone who they deem to require testing. If Public Health's investigation determines a public notification is needed, they will issue."

After a bus driver tested positive for the virus earlier this week, the union leader for Halifax Transit workers called for more restrictions on ridership. Soon after, Halifax Transit announced additional measures, many of which are being implemented over the long weekend. 

On buses, alternating seats are being blocked off, which transit management said will reduce capacity by about 50 per cent. Ferry capacity is being cut from 50 to 25 passengers per trip.

Over the next week, Halifax Transit said it will begin alternating seating at some terminals.

Superstore employee in Dartmouth tests positive

On Friday, customers of the Atlantic Superstore on Braemar Drive in Dartmouth were informed by email that an employee recently tested positive for COVID-19.

The employee's last shift at the store was on Wednesday.

The store will be sanitized and is scheduled to reopen on Saturday. 

Atlantic Superstore will also contact the Nova Scotia Health Authority to investigate the employee's recent shifts and direct contacts.

Two other Atlantic Superstores in Nova Scotia closed temporarily this week after employees tested positive COVID-19.

More Northwood employees test positive

More staff at a Halifax seniors residence have tested positive for COVID-19.

Northwood said an additional five employees — two health services staff and three home-care workers — have been diagnosed with the virus.

Five residents of the Halifax complex have also contracted COVID-19. They've been moved to an isolated floor dedicated to treating patients.