NS Moves to Next Level of COVID Infection
NS HEALTH ADMITS COMMUNITY SPREAD
There was bad news today and worse news as Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 count rose by another five confirmed cases. That was the bad news.
However, the worse news is that health officials conceded that the spread of the virus was now a matter of concern from within the community.
Since the first reports of coronavirus in the province, the Chief Medical Officer was quick to say the cases stemmed from people who had travelled outside Nova Scotia. From his perspective that meant tracing contacts and containment were fairy straight forward.
As the confirmation numbers rose, Dr. Roberts Strang was able to link new cases with this people who had travelled. In recent days he began to prepare us for the news that the virus is now spreading among us and the source, those who travelled abroad, are no longer the connection.
Strang described it as two levels of separation — those who travelled, those who were in contact with them, and those who were in contact with that second level.
With today’s announcement of five new cases, Dr. Strang admitted that we have moved to another level. While that is the worse news, it does not change our approach to the viral threat. Self-isolation and physical-distancing of two metres from others is the best defence against the coronavirus. In fact, it underscores the need to keep our distance from each other.
Those five new cases identified yesterday, follow more than 600 new tests. While most have been connected to travel or a known case, public health has now reached a point with one of its current investigations where no such links can be made and must conclude that this case is the result of transmission within the community.
The individuals affected range in age from under ten to mid-70s. Four individuals are currently in hospital. Ten have recovered and their cases of COVID-19 are considered resolved.
Anyone who has travelled outside Nova Scotia must self-isolate for 14 days. As always, any Nova Scotian who develops symptoms of acute respiratory illness should limit their contact with others until they feel better.
If you are concerned about COVID-19, go to https://811.novascotia.ca/ and use the online assessment tool. Anyone referred to an assessment site by 811 will be tested.
To date, Nova Scotia has 5,054 negative test results and 127 confirmed cases.
Add your comments below.