Health officials in Nova Scotia say although there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the province, the situation could likely change at some point in the future.
Dr. Robert Strang, the province’s chief medical officer of health, says 23 people have been tested for the novel coronavirus to date and all results have been negative.
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However, Strang says given the spread of the virus elsewhere, it’s “quite probable” there will be a positive case at some point, along with some kind of community spread within the province.
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He says good hygiene, such as repeated hand washing with soap and water, remains the public’s best defence against respiratory viruses such as COVID-19.
Strang says masks should only be used when necessary, in order to help prevent shortages during times when they are actually needed.
As of Friday afternoon, the total number of confirmed and presumptive cases of the virus in Canada is at least 51.
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