Dal student ID’D as one of six new cases

Nova Scotia has 32 known active COVID-19 cases, after reporting six new cases on Thursday.

Three of the cases are in the central health zone, which includes Halifax, Eastern Shore, and West Hants. One of them is a student at Dalhousie University who lives off campus, according to a news release from the Department of Health and Wellness. This is the second case reported at Dalhousie University this week and the fifth at a postsecondary institution in Nova Scotia.

"We know how easily the virus can spread when we let our guard down," said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, in the release.

"Let's keep up our efforts and ensure we continue to follow the public health measures - wear a mask, limit social contacts, maintain physical distance, wash our hands and stay home if feeling unwell."

The other three cases reported Thursday are in the northern health zone, which includes Colchester-east Hants, Cumberland, and Pictou areas.

Cases in the northern zone are close contacts of previously reported cases.

One of the cases in the central zone is also a close contact of another case. The remaining two cases, including the Dalhousie student, are related to travel outside Atlantic Canada and are selfisolating as required.

Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 2,096 Nova Scotia tests on Wednesday.

Rapid testing will be available Friday and Saturday at the Cineplex Cinemas Dartmouth Crossing from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rapid testing doesn't require a pre-booked appointment.

Since the beginning of the second wave, Nova Scotia has completed 135,524 tests. There have been 459 positive COVID-19 cases and no deaths. No one is currently in hospital.

ASYMPTOMATIC DROP-IN TESTING

Over the past few days, Nova Scotia Health announced multiple exposure sites in Truro. In response to the increased demand in testing in the area, Public Health's Mobile Health Units were in Truro on Thursday.

Drop-in testing is available at the units located at the NSCC Truro Campus, 36 Arthur St. Additional dates may also be added.

The method for testing at these clinics is the standard PCR swab and people don't have to self-isolate while waiting for their results. People should get tested if they have no symptoms, are not a close contact of a person with COVID-19, are not isolating because of travel outside of Nova Scotia, P.E.I. or Newfoundland and Labrador

People are asked to look for the signs and register at the Mobile Health Unit vans located in the parking lot. Testing will take place in the lobby of the cafeteria. Anyone coming to get tested should bring their health card if they have one.

People who have COVID19 symptoms shouldn't come to the drop-in site and must instead book an appointment online by visiting: covid-selfassessment.novascotia.ca

A list of potential exposures in Nova Scotia can be found on the Nova Scotia Health website.

COVID-19 SYMPTOMS

Anyone who is experiencing or has experienced within the last 48 hours one of the following symptoms should visit covid-self-assessment. novascotia.ca/ to do a self-assessment: new or worsening cough, and fever (i.e. chills or sweats).

Anyone experiencing two or more of the following symptoms (new or worsening) should also visit the website: sore throat, runny nose or nasal congestion, headache, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

People can call 811 if they can't access the online selfassessment or wish to speak with a nurse about their symptoms.