UPDATED: This story has been updated to clarify that Nova Scotia has permitted the use of household bubbles in the province.
The Nova Scotia government says four more people at Northwood Manor in Halifax have died as a result of COVID-19.
The new figures bring the total number of deaths in the province related to the ongoing pandemic to 55.
Officials say 49 of the 55 deaths are now connected to Northwood, the largest long-term care home in Atlantic Canada.
READ MORE: Nova Scotia health minister breaks silence on Northwood coronavirus outbreak
Long-term care homes have played a large role in the province’s COVID-19 outbreak.
Health officials say there are currently three care homes and seniors facilities in Nova Scotia with active cases of COVID-19.
Northwood currently has 25 residents and 15 staff with active cases of COVID-19, while the two other facilities are reporting a single staff member and a single resident, respectively.
The news came hours before Premier Stephen McNeil announced that the province was moving to ease more of its COVID-19 restrictions.
The goal is to support physical and mental well-being, McNeil said on Friday at the province’s coronavirus update.
“We know people need a break from being shut-in. That’s why we’re easing a few more restrictions while keeping our public health directives in place to fight the virus,” he said.
“We’re continuing to consult and Dr. Strang will present a plan soon that will see Nova Scotia reopen slowly and safely. We need to get this right.”
READ MORE: Bubble between N.B. and P.E.I. ‘best bet’ for tourism industry, travel
Household bubbles introduced
The province is also introducing household bubbles, which will allow two households “to come together without physical distancing.”
Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health said that it’s important for the two households to be “mutually exclusive to each other.”
This will minimize the risk of COVID-19 spreading.
Large family gatherings are still prohibited and the province recommends considering three factors when choosing another family; age, occupation and health condition of all household members.
The household bubbles measure goes into effect immediately
Easing restrictions
The other restrictions being loosened include the news that archery, equestrianism, golf, paddling, sailing/boating and tennis can resume at outdoor facilities as of Saturday at 8 a.m.
Physical distancing and hygiene must be maintained at all times.
Organized coaching along with training or competitions remains prohibited.
Strang initially said public beaches would open immediately but the province has since said that they will open at 8 a.m., on Saturday.
Even at the beach people must stay two metres apart and not gather in groups of more than five.
Nova Scotia’s provincewide ban on open fires has also been extended until June 1.
Backyard appliances like chimineas and fire pits will be temporarily permitted, the province confirmed.
Strang said that the Nova Scotians actions this weekend will determine how quickly the province can continue to reopen.
He said that Nova Scotia must be slow and cautious and that if they see a spike in cases the province may need to bring back restrictions.
Only 61 active cases in N.S.
In addition to the deaths, Nova Scotia says it has detected eight new cases of COVID-19 in the province.
The total number of cases in the province has now climbed to 1,034.
Officials say 918 of those cases have been resolved.
As a result, there are only 61 active cases in the province.
Nine people are currently in hospital, five of whom are in intensive care.
READ MORE: 3 more deaths, 4 new cases reported at Northwood
Nova Scotia conducted 473 tests on Thursday, the time period captured by the data released on Friday.
In total, the province has now conducted 36,409 tests.
The province is asking anyone with two or more of the following symptoms to visit its 811 website to determine if further assessment is required:
- fever
- new or worsening cough
- sore throat
- runny nose
- headache
The provincial government is also extending the province’s state of emergency.
The new order will take effect at noon on Sunday and will last until May 31, unless terminated or extended.
Nova Scotia said they are developing a phased plan to lift more public health restrictions.
It will be guided by a national framework and informed by local data. More details on the plan have yet to be announced.