COVID-19: Nova Scotia reports three deaths, 59 in hospital

Nova Scotia reported three new COVID-19-related deaths on Monday, along with 29 new hospital admissions since Friday’s update. 

The deaths include a man in his 60s in the Eastern Zone, a man in his 70s in the Northern Zone and a man in his 80s in the Central Zone. All three contracted COVID-19 during the current Omicron wave. 

“My heart goes out to the family and friends of the three Nova Scotians who died,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health, in a release. 

There are 59 people in hospital, with two in intensive care units. Their ages range from 31 to 100 years old. Of these 59, 55 were admitted during the Omicron wave. Since Friday’s update, 19 people have been discharged from hospitals. 

Of those in hospital, seven people (11.9 per cent) have had a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, 35 (59.3 per cent) are fully vaccinated (two doses), two (3.4 per cent) are partially vaccinated and 15 (25.4 per cent) are unvaccinated. Less than 10 per cent of Nova Scotians are unvaccinated. 

“The Omicron wave has taken three Nova Scotians, and I’m devastated for the loved ones they are leaving behind,” said Premier Tim Houston in a release. 

“This is exactly why restrictions are needed — as another layer to protect those who are most vulnerable to severe disease. So please, do your part to keep your family, friends and community members safe.”

Nova Scotia Health Authority labs reported 816 new COVID-19 cases: 526 in the Central Zone, 110 in the Eastern Zone, 70 cases in the Northern Zone and 110 Cases in the Western Zone. 

There are an estimated 6,906 active cases in Nova Scotia. 

“There’s no doubt this wave is very different, but there’s also no doubt that the virus can have very severe impacts on some people. We all have a responsibility to protect the people around us who need it and our health-care system. Follow restrictions and get your vaccine — whether it’s your first, second or booster dose,” said Strang.