Nova Scotia reports 2 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday

Nova Scotia reported two new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday and identified one case of the variant first found in the U.K., which isunrelated to the new cases.

There are now 23 known active cases of COVID-19 in the province.

One new case is in the central health zone and the other is in the western health zone.Both cases are related to travel outside the region and the individualsare self-isolating as required by public health guidelines.

The new variant case was identified in the central health zone and is related to international travel.

A news release said there is no evidence of community spread related to the new variant case.

The provincehas recorded 18 cases of the variant first found in the U.K. and 10 cases of the variant first found in South Africa.

Nova Scotia Health labs completed4,446 tests on Tuesday.

Religious observances

Noting that several major religious observances will take place over the next week, Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, urged Nova Scotians to be cautious during celebrations.

"As we approach a holiday weekend, I want to remind Nova Scotians of the importance of celebrating safely," he said in a news release.

"Do your part by following the gathering limits, keeping a consistent social group, staying home if you are feeling unwell, washing your hands and self-isolating if required."

Vaccine appointments available

On Wednesday, the province saidappointments are still available at vaccine clinics next week for Nova Scotians 75 and older.

The clinics will offerthe Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.

According to the release, appointments are available at some community clinics and participating pharmacies in:

• Antigonish.
• New Glasgow.
• Halifax.
• Dartmouth.
• Bedford.
• Lower Sackville (Cobequid).
• Eastern Passage.
• Middle Musquodoboit.
• Musquodoboit Harbour.
• Timberlea.
• Tantallon.
• Hammonds Plains.

Appointmentsmust bemade online or by calling1-833-797-7772. The release says walk-ins will be turned away.

The province has administered100,832 COVID-19 vaccines to date,including26,599 second doses.

Atlantic Canada case numbers

• New Brunswickreported 12new cases on Wednesday for a total of 135known active cases. Five people arein hospital with the virus, including two in intensive care.
• Newfoundland and Labradorreported one new cases on Wednesday. The province has three known active cases.
• P.E.I.reported three new cases on Tuesday. There are 14known active cases on the Island.