12 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Nova Scotia

Health officials have identified 12 new cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia, bringing the province's total to 947.

The new cases announced Thursday mark the second-lowest daily count in the last month. 

"Now is not the time to let our guard down," Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, said in a news release. 

"What we are doing is working to slow this virus' spread and we need to stay the course. Please continue to follow public health orders and advice."

The QEII Health Sciences Centre's microbiology lab completed 901 tests on Wednesday, according to a news release from the province. No new deaths were reported.

So far, 545 of the confirmed cases — including 16 since Wednesday — have recovered and 28 people have died. Ten people are in hospital, three of whom are in intensive care.

Most of the deaths have occurred at the Northwood long-term care facility in Halifax. The home is facing the most significant outbreak of any facility in the province, with 208 residents and 73 staff infected as of Wednesday.

Ten licensed long-term care homes and unlicensed seniors facilities in Nova Scotia currently have cases of COVID-19, involving 235 residents and 104 staff.

The province will not hold a media briefing on Thursday. Briefings will now only be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

"I want to thank all Nova Scotians for their patience and vigilance — we will get through this together," Premier Stephen McNeil said in the release. "I urge you all to keep practising good hygiene and maintaining social distance."

Possible COVID-19 exposure at 2 Halifax locations

On Thursday, the Nova Scotia Health Authority announced possible exposure of COVID-19 at two Halifax locations on Saturday, April 18:

• Canadian Tire at 6203 Quinpool Road from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. AT.
• NSLC at 6169 Quinpool Road from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. AT.

The health authority said that anyone who was exposed to the virus may develop symptoms by Saturday, May 2.

The following is a list of symptoms for COVID-19:

• Fever.
• New or worsening cough.
• Sore throat.
• Runny nose.
• Headache.

Anyone with two or more of those symptoms should visit 811's website for a self-assessment questionnaire to determine if 811 should be called for further assessment.

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