3 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Nova Scotia
Anjuli Patil | CBC News | Posted: May 16, 2020 3:51 PM | Last Updated: May 16, 2020
52 known active cases of virus remain; possible exposure reported at a Bedford Dollarama
Nova Scotia reported three new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, but there could be more after a possible exposure at a Bedford Dollarama.
The three cases reported on Saturday were identified through testing at the QEII Health Sciences Centre's microbiology conducted on Friday. The lab performed 665 Nova Scotia tests on Friday.
The most recent provincial data appears to indicate 52 known active cases of the virus left in Nova Scotia.
To date, there have been 1,037 positive COVID-19 cases, 930 recoveries and 55 deaths.
Eight people are in hospital with four in intensive care. There have been 35,703 negative tests.
There are two licensed long-term care homes and unlicensed seniors facilities in Nova Scotia with active cases.
Northwood in Halifax has 25 residents and nine staff with active cases. One other facility has one resident with an active case.
Possible COVID-19 exposure at Bedford Dollarama
On Saturday, the Nova Scotia Health Authority reported a possible exposure to COVID-19 at the Dollarama on Damascus Road in Bedford.
In a press release, the health authority said the exposure could have happened between April 29 and May 14.
Public health is contacting anyone known to the person or people confirmed to have COVID-19, but it's possible they may not get to everyone.
Symptoms of the virus may begin to develop up to 14 days from the last date they were at this location. This would be up to and including May 28.
Symptoms to look for
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.
Friends allowed in 2-household bubble
On Saturday, the province eased more restrictions around COVID-19, permitting visits to the beach, golf and two-bubble households.
Premier Stephen McNeil clarified rules around the two-household bubble rule. The province initially said the two homes had to be immediate family only. But in a tweet on Saturday, McNeil said it could be friends.
"Remember, whoever you choose, family or friend, your two households will have to promise to be be mutually exclusive & you can only bubble with each other," McNeil said.
In a news release, Nova Scotia Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang said the province will be able to lift more restrictions and "bring some normalcy back to our lives" if people stay vigilant and continue to take the virus seriously.
"Everyone has been following public health's guidelines, keeping our case numbers headed in the right direction, and that's why Nova Scotia families can reconnect this weekend," Strang said.