COVID-19 update: three deaths, 91 in hospital, 12 in ICU

Nova Scotia reported three more deaths due to COVID-19 on Monday.

“This virus continues to have devastating impacts for some. Please get vaccinated and follow the public health measures to protect yourself and those around you,” said Premier Tim Houston in a news release. 

A woman in her 60s died in the Central Zone, along with a woman in her 70s in the Western Zone and a woman in her 70s in the Northern Zone. 

“As we work towards easing restrictions, we must continue to work together, get vaccinated – whether it’s your first, second or booster dose – and follow the public health protocols,” said Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Robert Strang, in the release.

On Sunday, Nova Scotia Health Authority labs completed 2,085 tests. Of those tests, 313 new cases of COVID-19 were reported.

There are 135 cases in the Central Zone, 37 in the Eastern Zone, 51 in the Northern Zone and 90 in the Western Zone.

Of the 731 positive lab results from Feb. 5 and 6, 31 were repeat positives.

There are an estimated 3,306 active cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia.

The province is also reporting 10 new hospital admissions and six discharges. Patients admitted to hospital for COVID-19 range from four to 97 years old. The median age is 65. 

Of the 91 people in hospital, 27 are unvaccinated, 39 have had two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and 24 have had a third dose. Of those, 85 were admitted during the Omicron wave. 

Less than 10 per cent of Nova Scotians are unvaccinated. 

There are 137 people who tested positive upon admittance to a hospital for another medical reason, or were admitted for COVID-19 but no longer require specialized care, and 146 people contracted COVID-19 while staying in hospital. 

The health authority is reporting five hospitals with additional cases of COVID-19 related to an outbreak.

A ward at the Victoria General site of the QEII Health Sciences Centre is reporting four additional cases, bringing the total of positive tests to 15. The Halifax Infirmary site of the QEII Health Sciences Centre is reporting one new case of COVID-19; fewer than 10 people have tested positive. One new patient at Dartmouth General Hospital is reported to have tested positive, bringing the total positive tests to fewer than five. One additional positive test is reported at Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow; fewer than 10 people have tested positive. A ward at Northside General Hospital in North Sydney is reporting one new case, bringing the total of COVID-19 cases to fewer than 10.

57.7 per cent of Nova Scotians 18 and older have received a third dose, and 3.5 per cent have booked an appointment.