Two new COVID-19 cases reported in Nova Scotia Sunday

Two new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Nova Scotia.

One new case is in the northern zone and is related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada. The person is self-isolating as required. The other case is in the central zone and is still under investigation.

There are now 41 known active cases of the virus in the province.

"It is encouraging to see low case numbers as we start a new phase of guidelines and restrictions tomorrow," Premier Stephen McNeil said in a release.

"We can do our part to contain the virus by following these protocols that are designed to keep our social gatherings small and our communities safe."

Nova Scotia Health labs completed 1,409 tests on Saturday. No one is currently in hospital. 

Possible exposure on flight

Nova Scotia Health is reporting a new possible exposure to COVID-19 on a flight from Montreal to Halifax.

The health authority said the possible exposure was on Air Canada flight 7560 travelling on Dec. 18 from Montreal at 7:12 pm and arriving in Halifax at 9:37 p.m.

Passengers in rows 15 to 21, in seats A, B and C are asked to continue self-isolating and book a COVID-19 test through Nova Scotia's online assessment tool, regardless of whether they have symptoms.

All other passengers are asked to keep self-isolating and monitor for symptoms, which could develop up to, and including, Jan. 1, 2021.

Restrictions change Monday

Depending on where you live in Nova Scotia, restrictions are being eased or tightened up on Monday.

Across the province, gatherings in homes must be limited to 10 people, including household members. People no longer have to avoid the Halifax and Hants County areas, but everyone should avoid unnecessary travel this holiday season. 

All retailers in N.S. must now limit the number of staff and customers in their stores to 25 per cent of their legal capacity.

For those in the Halifax region and Elmsdale, Enfield and Mount Uniacke in Hants County, gyms, libraries and museums can reopen on Monday. Long-term care homes in this region will also start allowing family visitors and two designated caregivers.

But restaurants and bars have to remain closed to in-person dining until at least Jan. 10, 2021. Casinos also remain closed.

A rapid COVID-19 testing site was set up on Sunday at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic on Lower Water Street in Halifax from 1 to 6 p.m.

The testing is open to those who are over 16, don't have symptoms, have not travelled, have not visited a potential exposure location, and have not been in contact with someone who has tested positive.

Cases in the Atlantic provinces

The latest numbers from the Atlantic provinces are:

• Newfoundland and Labrador reported two new cases Sunday. The province has 31 active cases. The province is warning of three COVID-19 exposures on flights from Halifax to Gander over the last two weeks. They have asked people in that province to come forward for testing. So far, any Nova Scotians on these flights have not been asked to get tested.
• New Brunswick reported no new cases Sunday and has 45 active cases. 
• P.E.I. reported one new case on Saturday. The province has seven active cases.