Nova Scotia reported another record-breaking day of new COVID-19 cases, with 394 new cases announced on Friday.
The previous record was set on Thursday with 287 new cases.
“The reality is the case numbers will continue to stay high,” said Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston at a COVID-19 briefing. “To slow the spread, we have to individually slow down.”
So far, the emergence of the Omicron variant in N.S. has been linked to the COVID-19 outbreak at St. Francis Xavier University that has spread through the region.
READ MORE: N.S. announces 40 cases of Omicron variant, gathering limits tightening
As a result, Houston said as of Friday the university and St. FX’s student union have been issued two offence tickets each in the amount of $11,622.60, which is the maximum penalty, for failing to comply with mask requirements.
The student union declined comment Friday, but St. FX spokesperson Cindy MacKenzie acknowledged the fine in a brief statement.
“Our current focus remains on supporting our students and the community through this outbreak. We will be investigating operational issues in the weeks ahead,” she said.
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In light of the recent outbreak and the threat of the new Omicron variant, tightened restrictions around masking, distancing and gathering limits have taken effect as of 9 a.m. Friday.
Some of these restrictions include physical distance of two metres (six feet) to be required indoors and outdoors, except among people in the same household or a consistent social group of up to 20 people.
READ MORE: COVID-19 – N.S. closing schools early for holiday break, announce 178 new cases
There’s also gathering limits of 50 per cent of capacity to a maximum of 150 people indoors and 250 outdoors apply to social gatherings, regular faith services, weddings, funerals and their associated receptions and visitation, special events, meetings, training, festivals, and audiences for sports events and arts and culture events (like performances and movie theatres) that are hosted by a recognized business or organization, including faith organizations.
“The latest restrictions have a significant impact on businesses which would be a busy and happy time of the year,” Houston said.
In order to help businesses, Houston announced the sector impact support program that’s meant to directly assist businesses most impacted via a one-time grant of up to $7,500.
The program has been tailored for small businesses like restaurants, bars, gyms, and recreational facilities.
“I know in the past funding hasn’t come fast enough … we will work with the business sector to be more flexible,” said Houston.
New cases
In a release, the province said there are 295 cases in the Central Zone, 54 in the Eastern Zone, 27 in the Northern Zone and 18 in the Western Zone.
“Because of a spike in testing and positive cases, public health is experiencing some delays in follow-up,” the release said.
“Public health will try to contact anyone confirmed positive by the lab within 24 hours to provide information on required isolation and testing. All cases will be asked to contact their close contacts.”
Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Robert Strang, said Omicron is spreading faster and easier compared to previous COVID-19 variants.
However, the majority of people who have tested positive are experiencing mild disease, and only two people so far needed hospitalization.
“People who are fully vaccinated remain in good protection, especially from severe disease,” said Strang.
People who are immunocompromised or more vulnerable are still at risk though and are being asked to get the additional booster dose for maximum protection.
In the meantime, Strang said the new restrictions being put in place will be necessary as public health learns more about the variant and to get people vaccinated.
“Omicron is pushing us to the limits and public health reached capacity,” he said, adding that assessment centers have been running for seven days a week and it hasn’t been enough.
“There is going to be a lot of COVID-19…we are changing our response to deal with Omicron,” Strang said.
It said that all close contacts, including those who are fully vaccinated, now need to self-isolate for 72 hours after an exposure and get a lab-based PCR test. Those who are fully vaccinated can stop isolating after receiving a negative result, while those who are not fully vaccinated must continue to isolate.
Seven people are in hospital, including two in ICU. Nova Scotia Health labs completed 7,585 tests on Thursday.
Another 16 schools were notified of a COVID-19 exposure on Thursday. A list of all schools with COVID-19 exposures can be found here.
Vaccination data
There have been 256 cases of COVID-19 with an episode date between December 9 and December 16. Of those:
- 172 (67.2 per cent) were fully vaccinated
- Six (2.3 per cent) were partially vaccinated
- 78 (30.5 per cent) were unvaccinated
There have been 7,381 cases from March 15 to December 16. Of those:
- 1,137 (15.4 per cent) were fully vaccinated
- 427 (5.8 per cent) were partially vaccinated
- 5,817 (78.8 per cent) were unvaccinated
There were 341 people hospitalized. Of those:
- 23 (6.7 per cent) were fully vaccinated
- 33 (9.7 per cent) were partially vaccinated
- 285 (83.6 per cent) were unvaccinated.
Forty-four people died. Of those:
- 11 (25.0 per cent) were fully vaccinated
- Three (6.8 per cent) were partially vaccinated
- 30 (68.2 per cent) were unvaccinated.
— with files from Alex Cooke
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