Nova Scotia health officials have reported a new death linked to COVID-19 — the first one since August of last year.
A woman in her 80s, located in the central zone, has died as a result of conditions including COVID-19.
This is Nova Scotia’s first pandemic-related death since the start of the second wave.
There have been 66 deaths linked to the virus in total.
“On behalf of all Nova Scotians, I extend my condolences to the family and loved ones of this individual,” Premier Iain Rankin said in a news release.
“It’s important that we continue to do everything we can to continue to slow the spread of the virus in our province.”
The province also reported three new cases on Thursday, all of which are in the central zone. Two of the individuals are close contacts of previously reported cases and the other case is related to travel.
Seventeen cases remain active in the province.
Nova Scotia Health completed 2,900 tests for COVID-19 on Wednesday.
There have been 588 positive COVID-19 cases and one death in the second wave, which started Oct. 1, 2020 in Nova Scotia.
One person is currently in hospital with the virus.
As of Wednesday, the province has administered 55,176 doses of COVID-19 vaccine, and 18,983 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.
The province also announced Thursday that it is expanding its AstraZeneca vaccine rollout to include people aged 60 to 62.
Booking began Tuesday for those aged 63 and 64 at 25 pharmacies and doctors offices offering the AstraZeneca vaccine.
“AstraZeneca clinics in Halifax Regional Municipality are fully booked, but about 4,900 appointments are available in remaining clinics across the province,” a news release notes.
“Starting today, March 18, people aged 60 to 62 are eligible to book appointments in clinics that are not full.”