Big drop in COVID numbers
Twelve additional cases reported, including three in eastern zone
HALIFAX — Nova Scotia reported 12 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday along with a steep drop in total active cases.
The active case count dropped from 448 to 349, the lowest it's been since April 27. There have been 91 additional recoveries.
Eight of the new cases are in the central health zone, with six of the cases identified as close contacts of previous cases. Two remain under investigation.
Three new cases are in the eastern zone. Two are close contacts of previous cases and the other case is under investigation. One case in the northern zone is a close contact of a previous case.
There is limited community spread in the central zone while the other three zones continue to be closely monitored for community spread, the Health Department said in a news release on Tuesday.
“I’m pleased to see our cases trending downward and Nova Scotians should be proud of their efforts,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “But just because we are seeing fewer cases does not mean we can disregard the public health measures. We are in a good position as we enter Phase 1 of our reopening plan (today). Let’s continue do our part by following the public health protocols and getting tested for COVID-19.”
The number of people in hospital dropped by two to 38, including 15 in ICU. The median age of people hospitalized in the third wave is 53 for non-ICU, and 55.5 for people in ICU.
The province has eased COVID-19 restrictions amid the downward trend in activity. People are free to travel throughout the province and restaurants and bars will be able to open for outdoor patio business today.
All schools in the province will be open for in-person classes by Thursday.
On May 31, Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 3,576 tests.
There were 588,991 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered as of May 31. Of those, 43,561 have received their second dose.
“While I’m encouraged to see low case numbers being reported, I want to remind Nova Scotians to remain vigilant and follow all the public health measures and protocols,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health, in the release.
“The quickest way we will work through our reopening plan is by adhering to the restrictions that are in place. The decision to move to the next phase is not only based on COVID-19 activity, but also on public health and testing capacity, hospitalizations and vaccination rates.”
Since April 1, there have been 3,837 positive COVID19 cases and 19 deaths. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. There are 3,449 resolved cases.