N.S. reports 16 new COVID-19 cases

Nova Scotia reported 16 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday.

All cases are in the central health zone, which includes the Halifax area, Eastern Shore and West Hants, said the Department of Health and Wellness in a news release.

The province had 102 active cases as of Wednesday, with one person in hospital in relation to the virus.

One positive case was identified Tuesday at the rapidtesting pop-up site on Morris Street in Halifax. The individual was directed to self-isolate and has been referred for a standard test. It's not clear whether this case is one of the 16 new confirmed cases.

Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 1,621 Nova Scotia tests on Tuesday. There were 604 tests administered at the pop-up site.

On Tuesday, the Health Department announced new restrictions that will come into effect starting Thursday and will continue for two weeks until midnight Dec. 9, with a possibility of extension. The restrictions apply in Halifax and Hants counties.

Starting Thursday, licensed bars and restaurants in the Halifax and Hants counties will be closed for dine-in. There will also be stronger enforcement of gathering limits. For example, every person at a party can be fined $1,000.

Organized sports, recreational, athletic, arts and cultural activities, and faith-based activities will be paused.

"With the new restrictions introduced yesterday, we are asking all Nova Scotians to do more, to dig deeper — to tighten your circles and limit your movement within and outside the province," said Premier Stephen Mcneil in the release. "We can stop the spread of COVID-19 in our communities if we work together. Thank you for doing your part."

Over the past two months, Nova Scotia has had 153 positive COVID-19 cases, and 36,384 negative test results.