COVID-19 Update: One death, 11 hospitalizations, two long-term care outbreaks

Nova Scotia reported one death related to COVID-19, a woman in her 70’s, on Thursday.

Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health, reminded Nova Scotians of the importance of following the rules. 

“It is never easy reporting a COVID death, as it is a stark reminder of the serious nature of this virus and the impact it has on people and their families,” he said. “Our way forward continues to be following the public health measures and restrictions in place and getting vaccinated.”

The province also reported two new outbreaks in long-term care facilities; nine cases at Ocean View Manor in Eastern Passage, and five cases at Harbourview Lodge in Sheet Harbour. 

Eleven people were admitted to hospitals on Thursday, bringing the number of Nova Scotians hospitalized with COVID-19 up to 93. Of those, 15 are in intensive care units. There are two other groups of people not counted in these numbers: 107 people who came to the hospital for other reasons and tested positive upon arrival; and 127 who contracted COVID-19 while at the hospital. 

Of those 93 in the hospital, 59.1 per cent are vaccinated with two doses, and 19.4 per cent are unvaccinated. Fewer than 10 per cent of Nova Scotians are unvaccinated. 

Nova Scotia Health Authority reported 366 new lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the estimated number of active cases up to 4,276.