Seven new cases reported on Friday

Nova Scotia is reporting seven new COVID-19 cases on Friday, the highest number for nearly a week.

All the new cases are in the province's central health zone, which includes Halifax, Eastern Shore and West Hants.

Five of the cases are close contacts of previously reported cases.

Two cases are related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada. The people are selfisolating, as required.

Since Dec. 5, the number of cases continues to be in the single digits. The province has 48 active cases as of Friday.

"As our case numbers decline, we need to continue to limit our social contacts and non-essential travel. Stay home if you are feeling unwell," said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health in a news release. "By following all the public health measures, we are protecting one another and slowing the spread of COVID-19."

On Wednesday, Premier Stephen Mcneil and Dr. Robert Strang announced the easing of some of the current restrictions in the Halifax Regional Municipality and Hants county.

The changes will take effect on Monday, Dec. 21. While fitness facilities will open and faith-based activities will resume with social distancing, restaurants will continue to be closed for dine-in until Jan. 10.

In a news release Friday, the Department of Health and Wellness announced the extension of COVID-19 asymptomatic testing into the new year.

People looking to get a test can book an appointment through a self-assessment or go to a rapid testing site, which doesn't require an appointment.

Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 1,565 Nova Scotia tests on Dec. 17.

There were 1,506 tests administered between Dec. 11 and 17 at the rapid-testing pop-up sites in Truro, Antigonish, Sydney, Halifax and Dartmouth.

Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 95,718 tests. There have been 354 positive COVID-19 cases and no deaths. No one is currently in hospital.