Two new COVID cases

HALIFAX — Two new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Nova Scotia on Friday.

Both are in the central health zone: one is a close contact of a previously reported case and the other case is under investigation.

Nova Scotia has 31 active cases of COVID-19, up two compared to Thursday: 23 are in the central zone, four in the eastern zone, three in the northern zone and one in the western zone.

Premier Iain Rankin and Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health held a briefing on Friday and said the province plans to fast-track the COVID-19 immunization program in the wake of recent evidence that one dose provides sufficient protection against the virus over a longer period of time than previously thought.

As well, under the latest recommendations, Pfizer vaccine doesn't have to be kept in ultra-low temperature freezers, which will make it easier to transport to clinics.

Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 5,589 tests on March 4, and 5,618 tests were administered between Feb. 26 and March 2 at rapidtesting pop-up sites in Eastern Passage, Halifax and Spryfield.

There have been 38,676 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered. Of those, 14,395 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.

Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 239,100 tests. There have been 562 positive COVID-19 cases and 531 resolved cases. Three people are in hospital, which is down two compared to Thursday. One person is in intensive care. The province is also renewing the state of emergency. The order takes effect at noon Sunday and extends to noon on March 21.