There are 26 new cases of the novel coronavius in Nova Scotia, bringing the provincial total to 173.
In a news release Wednesday, the province said the positive cases came after more than 1,000 COVID-19 tests were completed at the QEII Health Sciences Centre’s microbiology lab on Tuesday.
“While most cases in Nova Scotia are connected to travel or a known case, as reported previously, there is one confirmed case of community transmission and more cases are expected to present,” the province stated.
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Of the 26 new cases of COVID-19, the province says one is a staff member at The Magnolia residential care home in Enfield. That makes three staff members and two residents of The Magnolia who have tested positive.
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“The residents are in isolation and staff members are isolating at home,” the release reads. “All residents are being monitored for symptoms of COVID-19 including temperature checks twice daily.
Two other nursing homes in Nova Scotia each have one staff member who has tested positive. Health officials say they are isolating at home and appropriate infection prevention and control measures are in place at facilities across the province.
The province announced 20 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, bringing the province’s total to 147. To date, Nova Scotia has 6,591 negative test results.
Five individuals are currently in hospital and 11 have now recovered.
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Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil and chief public health officer Dr. Robert Strang will be holding an update Wednesday at 3 p.m.
Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.
To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.
For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.
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