Classes at post-secondary institutions in Nova Scotia haven’t even started yet, and there is already one confirmed COVID-19 case, and two probables among students in the province, according to Public Health.
Premier Stephen McNeil says this is proof the testing strategy is working.
The province confirms the student at Université Sainte Anne in Digby county was initially not self-isolating properly when they arrived, but the institution released a statement saying the individual involved is now isolating as per public health protocols. The university also says public health officials have assessed the risk of exposure as low, and there are no close contacts identified at this time.
They emphasize the importance of the testing strategy here, saying it allows them to detect and manage cases early.
Also on Monday, two probable cases were announced – one each at Acadia University in Wolfville, and Dalhousie University in Halifax. Both students have been self-isolating since arriving from out of province, and their test results are indeterminate. However, they are being treated as lab-confirmed positives to ensure all necessary precautions are taken.
Public health says indeterminate results can happen if someone has already had COVID-19, or if the testing happens before the virus is fully detectable.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Doctor Robert Strang says the testing strategy is a good foundation, but people should still be following other public health measures like increased hand-washing, social distancing, and wearing a mask.
