Latest Update Shows First Death In Care Home Outside Halifax
The province reported four more deaths at long-term care homes on Wednesday, jumping the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Nova Scotia to 16.
The Northwood long-term care home in Halifax accounted for another three deaths and the fourth occurred at Harbourstone Enhanced Care in Sydney.
As of April 22, the province has tracked COVID-19 cases in 158 residents and 79 staff at 10 licensed long-term care homes and unlicensed seniors’ facilities in Nova Scotia.
The province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang says while the daily update tends to focus on the Halifax region, there are still cases of the coronavirus across Nova Scotia.
“Just the fact that today, one of the deaths we’re announcing, unfortunately, is from Cape Breton illustrates that fact. We’re a small province geographically and COVID-19 moves as people move and if we give it a chance it will move across the province.”
Strang called on Nova Scotians to maintain their vigilance, not just for themselves but, for their neighbours, families and friends.
Wednesday also saw the largest single-day spike of new coronavirus cases in the province with 55.
The latest numbers show Nova Scotia has 827 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
The QEII Health Sciences Centre’s microbiology lab continues to operate 24 hours a day and completed 921 Nova Scotia tests on Wednesday.
To date, Nova Scotia has 23,731 negative test results.
Ten individuals are currently in hospital, four of those in ICU.
On the plus side, 358 individuals have now recovered and their cases of COVID-19 are considered resolved.
Premier Stephen McNeil says while some other provinces are looking at beginning to ease their restrictions, Nova Scotia isn’t in the position to make those changes yet.
“Dr. Strang and I both want to be in a position where we’re starting to lift some of these restrictions in our province but that’s only going to happen, and it can only happen if we all keep following the public health protocols and we see the positive trends and signs.”
The Premier says he’s grateful to those Nova Scotians who are following the protocols and stressed everyone needs to continue to do so.
Reported by Ed Halverson
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson