Two new COVID cases reported

U.K. variant found to be cause of 18 previous cases

The B.1.1.7 variant, which was first reported in the U.K., was identified as the cause of 18 previously reported COVID-19 cases in Nova Scotia.

Many of the cases have been resolved, the province said in a news release Wednesday. One case is still under investigation, seven were contacts of previously reported cases, and 10 cases were related to travel.

"While we're seeing more variant cases being identified in the province, it's important to understand that most of these cases are related to travel and they are strictly adhering to the public health measures," said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, in the release.

This brings the total case number of the B.1.1.7 variant to 41 in the province.

The variant is believed to spread more quickly between people compared to other variants, but a recent study published in the Lancet medical journal found that it's not related to severe disease or death. The study analyzed data from 496 COVID-19 patients who were admitted to two British hospitals in November and December 2020.

TWO NEW CASES

Nova Scotia is also reporting two new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday unrelated to the 18 variant cases.

One case is in the central zone and is related to travel outside Canada. The other case is in the eastern zone and is related to travel outside Atlantic Canada. Both cases are self-isolating, according to the Department of Health and Wellness.

"Thanks to the efforts of Nova Scotians, we have been able to contain the variant cases so far, but we know how easily it can spread if we let our guard down," said Premier Iain Rankin.

There are 42 active cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia. Three people are in hospital.

Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 2,154 Nova Scotia tests on Tuesday, April 13.

Rapid testing will be available on Friday, April 16, at St. Andrew's Community Centre in Halifax from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and at the Halifax Convention Centre from 3 to 9 p.m.

Public health's mobile units are also offering communitybased testing in various locations across the province. A list of locations is available here.

About 170,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered as of Tuesday. Of those, 31,583 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.

Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 334,053 tests. There have been 694 positive COVID-19 cases and one death.

TIM KROCHAK • THE CHRONICLE HERALD A medical professional prepares a sample for rapid testing in Halifax in November last year. Rapid testing is available Friday at two locations in Halifax.