Nova Scotia announced it would be extending its state of emergency the same day it reported the province’s fourth death connected to the novel coronavirus.
The province said Friday that a woman in her 80s in Cape Breton died as a result of complications related to COVID-19.
“On behalf of all Nova Scotians, I want to pass on our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family,” Premier Stephen McNeil said at a press briefing Friday. “They are in our thoughts and in our prayers.”
Two other women in Cape Breton have died after being diagnosed with COVID-19. One was a woman in her 70s and another was a woman in her 90s.
The province’s third death was a man in 80s in the Halifax Regional Municipality. All four had underlying medical conditions.
READ MORE: Coronavirus: Nova Scotia sees decrease in active cases after 39 patients recover
The province also announced 27 new cases on Friday, bringing the provincial total to 606. Of the 27 new cases, 25 were identified in the central zone, while one was identified in eastern zone and one in the northen zone.
The total breakdown of where cases have been identified in Nova Scotia is as follows:
- Central: 478
- Western: 48
- Eastern: 44
- Northern: 36
The QEII Health Sciences Centre’s microbiology lab completed 966 Nova Scotia tests on Thursday. There are now 11 patients in hospital, with five in an intensive care unit. There were four in an intensive care unit on Thursday.
Forty-five per cent of cases involve male patients and 55 per cent involve female patients.
State of emergency extended
The province announced Friday that it will be extending its state of emergency until May 3.
According to a news release, cabinet met on Thursday by teleconference and agreed to ask the lieutenant governor to extend the state of emergency for another two weeks.
The order will take effect at noon on Sunday and extend to noon Sunday, May 3, unless government terminates or extends it.
More cases in long-term care homes
There are now eight licensed long-term care homes in Nova Scotia with cases of COVID-19. There were seven on Thursday.
Chief public health officer Dr. Robert Strang says there are now 55 residents and 43 staff in long-term care homes in Nova Scotia who have tested positive. On Thursday, the province reported infections to 42 residents and 23 staff.
The province announced on Thursday they would be providing would begin reporting the number of COVID-19 cases at its long-term care facilities on a daily basis. Speaking at Friday’s briefing, Strang said they’re finding some errors in how the data is coming in.
“Have a little bit of patience with us,” Strang said. “We’re working through a process.”
As of the time of publication, 42 residents at Northwood Manor in Halifax have tested positive. Premier McNeil says the province is doing “everything humanly possible” to provide the facility with appropriate supports.
“We … pulled our resources together to ensure that we wrap our arms around Northwood to provide them with the support to control, contain and get rid of this virus,” McNeil said.
Additional support for vulnerable families
Late Friday, the province announced that $3 million is being redirected from the HomeWarming program to fund organizations that deliver prepared meals, operate soup kitchens, help the homeless and provide other services.
Nova Scotia Power has contributed $1 million, while EfficiencyOne is providing $2 million of provincial funding for the program, according to a news release from the province.
“We know there are gaps and challenges including increased demand at a time when we are seeing a shortage of staff and volunteers. That’s why we are providing more support for this vital work,” said Energy and Mines Minister Derek Mombourquette in a statement.
The province says approved HomeWarming projects will go ahead once public health restrictions are lifted.
‘We can’t take our eye off the ball’
Premier McNeil said heading into another weekend, it’s more important than ever for Nova Scotians to continue to follow the public health measures that have been put in place.
“I know the weather’s nice, I know we all want this to be over with. No one wants this over with more than me,” McNeil said. “But we can’t give in now, we can’t quit now, we can’t take our eye off the ball, we can’t take our eye off the goal line.
“We need to make sure that we follow public health protocols so that we end up controlling this virus.”
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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.