Downward trend continues
Nova Scotia adds 118 new cases, 11 in eastern zone
HALIFAX — Nova Scotia reported 118 new COVID19 cases on Tuesday as the downward trend of new activity continued.
As usual most of the new cases, 98, are in the central zone, the only region of the province where there is community spread of the virus.
There are 11 new cases in the eastern zone, four in the northern zone and five in the western zone.
But there are now 64 people in hospital, up six from yesterday, including 10 in intensive care.
The number of active cases is now 1,591.
Nova Scotia labs conducted 4,421 tests on Monday for a total of 685,989 tests during the pandemic.
Referring to the downward trend in new daily cases, "we are beginning to see the results of the hard work of Nova Scotians," said Premier Iain Rankin in a tweet. "We can get through this wave but we must remain vigilant and continue to follow the protocols."
PFIZER, MODERNA ELIGIBILITY EXPANDED
Nova Scotians aged 40 and older now can book appointments for the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.
The age ceiling for these vaccines was lowered Tuesday. There are about 62,000 people in the 40 to 44 demographic.
This group has been able to book appointments for the AstraZeneca vaccine since April 30.
Appointments for COVID19 vaccines in community clinics and participating pharmacies will be released as vaccine supply is confirmed, the Health Department said in a news release.
All Nova Scotians are encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as they are eligible. The province's goal continues to be to immunize as many Nova Scotians as quickly as possible, based on age, to reach a high rate of population immunity.
Appointments must be arranged online at https:// novascotia.ca/coronavirus/ book-your-vaccinationappointment/ or through the booking phone line at 1-833797-7772.
You cannot book directly through a community clinic, pharmacy or physician.
Walk-ins will be turned away.
There have been 374,903 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Nova Scotia. Of those, 37,784 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.
STICK CLOSE TO HOME
"I want to thank Nova Scotians for their continued support, hard work and commitment to following the public health protocols," said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, said in a news release.
"We are asking people to stick as close to home as possible and only travel outside your community when absolutely necessary. Everyone needs to use their judgment about what is necessary."
Since April 1, there have been 2,410 positive COVID19 cases and five deaths. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. There are 814 resolved cases. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.
In the news release, the premier noted that it's National Nurses Week.
"On behalf of all Nova Scotians, thank you. Each and every one of you plays a critical role within the healthcare sector. Thank you for the many sacrifices you have made. Let's show our support and appreciation to all nurses by following the public health measures."