Twenty-six new cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Nova Scotia, bringing the province’s total to 262.
Of the confirmed cases, 24 are in the eastern region, 25 are in the northern region, 38 are in the western region and 175 are in the central region.
People with COVID-19 in Nova Scotia range in age from under 10 to over 90. Six people are currently in hospital, while 53 people have recovered and their cases are considered resolved.
On Sunday, Shannex said it was notified by public health officials that employees at Arborstone Enhanced Care in Halifax and Harris Hall in Dartmouth have tested positive for COVID-19.
“(Management teams) are receiving support from our COVID-19 Response Team, which includes our Infection Prevention and Control Specialist and Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness team members, to ensure all residents and team members are following proper precautions with the health and safety of our residents and team members as our highest priority,” Shannex said in a statement posted to its website.
Most cases in Nova Scotia have been connected to travel or a known case, but “it is now known there is community spread,” the Health Department said in a news release Sunday.
“This is expected and why the testing strategy continues to be adjusted. Part of that is increasing lab capacity.”
The QEII Health Science Centre’s microbiology lab in Halifax will move to 24/7 operations on Monday.
To date, Nova Scotia has 9,510 negative results.
The province’s state of emergency declared two weeks ago has been recently extended to April 19.
“It is now more important than ever for Nova Scotians to strictly adhere to the public health orders and directives – practise good hygiene, maintain a physical distance of two metres or six feet from others, limit essential gatherings to no more than five people and stay at home as much as possible,” the release said.
A news conference with Dr. Robert Strang, the province’s chief medical officer of health, and Premier Stephen McNeil will be held at 3 p.m. today.
