Coronavirus: Nova Scotia goes 18 days without a new case

Nova Scotia has now gone 18 straight days without any new cases of the novel coronavirus.

In a news release Saturday, the province said 386 Nova Scotia COVID-19 tests were conducted on Friday, all of which were negative.

The last new case was identified on June 9.

There are currently no active cases in the province.

READ MORE: Nova Scotia announces more reopening measures, will increase gathering limits July 3

To date, Nova Scotia has 52,811 negative test results, 1,061 positive COVID-19 cases and 63 deaths.

Two people are currently in hospital. The province says both patients’ COVID-19 infections are considered resolved, but they are still being treated in hospital.

On Friday, the province announced it would be further easing COVID-19 preventative measures. Effective immediately, restaurants and licensed liquor establishments in Nova Scotia are now allowed to operate at 100 per cent capacity.

2:04 N.S. implementing new measures to increase number of patrons in restaurants

Private campgrounds can operate at 100 per cent capacity as well, and people living in homes funded by disability support programs can resume going out into their communities.

Public pools are also now allowed to reopen.

The province also announced Friday that gathering limits will increase come July 3, the same day the Atlantic travel bubble will go into effect.

Effective July 3, if a recognized business or organization is planning an event outdoors, 250 people can attend with physical-distancing rules in place.

READ MORE: Nova Scotia reports no new coronavirus cases Friday

For an indoor event, the limit is 50 per cent capacity to a maximum of 200, again with physical distancing.

Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

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. In situations where you can’t keep a safe distance from others, public health officials recommend the use of a non-medical face mask or covering to prevent spreading the respiratory droplets that can carry the virus.

For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.