2 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Nova Scotia, new COVID-19 variant being watched for

Nova Scotia reported two new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday and that 30 active cases remain in the province.

Public Health said one case is in the central zone and involves a close contact of a previous case.

The second case is in the northern zone and is linked to travel outside of Atlantic Canada.

1:52 Coronavirus: N.S. reports 2 new cases as province monitors for COVID-19 variant

At a Nova Scotia coronavirus briefing, Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health, talked about variants after Ontario reported on Saturday the first two cases of the COVID-19 variant that was first identified in the United Kingdom and has since spread to Australia, Japan and several European countries.

It is believed to be a more contagious variant of COVID-19.

Strang said the province does not have any evidence of this yet, but is watching for it and following where people who test positive have travelled to and from.

“The 14-day self-isolation remains one of our best defences again the virus,” said Strang.

1:38 Coronavirus: Nova Scotia’s top doctor ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ to see new COVID-19 variant

Strang said the next week will be critical for Nova Scotians.“Traditionally this is a time of travel and celebrations and gathering. Given how COVID spreads, it’s important to limit travel, restrict gatherings and keep any gatherings small,” Strang said.He added that it’s important to have a consistent group of 10 people.Since the initial batch of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine was received by the province in early December, around 2,200 Nova Scotians who are health-care and long-term care workers have been vaccinated. Now that the Moderna vaccine has been approved in Canada, more people will be vaccinated in the coming year.

2:26 Coronavirus: Nova Scotia reports 2 new COVID-19 cases, 30 active cases remain

According to Strang, Nova Scotia is expecting a shipment of Moderna vaccines this week. He said the province has freezers in five locations and will start vaccinating residents in January.

Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 109,752 tests. There have been 391 positive COVID-19 cases and no deaths.

According to Public Health, one person is currently in hospital, and there are 361 cases now considered resolved.