New Brunswick leaves Atlantic bubble

Nova Scotia reported 14 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, bringing the total number of active cases in the province to 114.

Twelve of the new cases are in the central health zone, which includes Halifax, Eastern Shore and West Hants. The other remaining cases are in the northern zone and the western zone.

It's not clear whether the new cases are related to previously reported ones.

In a news briefing Thursday, Blair Higgs, the premier of New Brunswick, announced his province will leave the Atlantic bubble.

"Effective midnight tonight, we're resorting back to our original 14 days isolation for anyone from anywhere travelling into New Brunswick," he said.

Exemptions for essential travel will continue, he added.

New Brunswick is the third province to reinstate the 14day isolation for travellers from within Atlantic Canada. Newfoundland and Labrador and P.E.I. made the changes on Monday.

Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 2,253 Nova Scotia tests on Wednesday, the highest number of tests reported to date. There were 856 tests administered at the rapid-testing pop-up site in downtown Halifax on that day.

Five presumptive positive cases were identified at the pop-up site. The individuals were directed to self-isolate and have been referred for a standard test. Cases identified through rapid testing won't be added to the total number of cases until they are confirmed by a standard test.

Rapid-testing clinics are targeted at people in the 18-35 age group or those who have been to or work at a bar in the Halifax Regional Municipality. Locations and times of the pop-up clinics, which could change every time, are announced on social media.

"We've seen a great uptake for asymptomatic testing among Halifax bar staff and patrons,” said Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health, in a news release.

“People are showing us how much they care about their communities by going to these pop-up rapid testing locations. This has allowed us to detect a few cases among asymptomatic people early on and helps to stop the spread of the virus."

Late Wednesday evening, the Department of Health and Wellness released a new list of potential exposure sites, which includes numerous establishments across Halifax.

Starting today, new public health restrictions have come into effect in the Halifax and Hants counties. They include the closure of licensed establishments, such as restaurants and bars for dine-in. Museums, libraries, and fitness and recreational facilities are also closed.

Over the past two months, Nova Scotia has had 167 positive COVID-19 cases, 38,434 negative test results. No one is in hospital.

ATLANTIC CANADA NUMBERS

New Brunswick has 105 active cases as it reported 12 new cases Thursday.

Newfoundland and Labrador reported three new cases on Thursday, bringing the total number of active cases to 28.

Prince Edward Island has two active cases. No new cases were reported Thursday.

COVID-19 SYMPTOMS

Anyone who is currently experiencing or has experienced within the last 48 hours one of the following symptoms should visit https://covidself-assessment.novascotia.ca for a self-assessment:

• new or worsening cough

• fever (i.e. chills or sweats) People should also visit the website if they are experiencing two or more of the following symptoms (new or worsening): sore throat runny nose or nasal congestion

• headache

• shortness of breath People can also call 811 if they can't access the website or if they wish to speak to a nurse. Anyone experiencing symptoms should self-isolate until they receive advice from Public Health on what to do next. Online booking for COVID-19 tests is available for all primary assessment sites. The swish and gargle COVID19 test is available at all centres for children aged four to 18.