Nova Scotia reports 31 new cases of COVID-19 Monday

Nova Scotia reported 31new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, bringing the number of active cases to 71.

The bulk of the new cases 26 are in the central health zone. Fourteen of those are related to travel, eight are close contacts of previously reported cases and four are under investigation.

Of the three cases in the northern zone, one is related to travel and two are close contacts of previously reported cases.

There are two cases in the western zone.One is a close contact of a previously reported case and one is under investigation.

Dr. Shelley Deeks,deputy chief medical officer of health, said in a news release that officials expectedto see an increase in case numbers, "as we've been seeing in other provinces."

"It's important to understand most of these cases are related to travel and they are strictly adhering to the public health measures," said Deeks.

No one is in hospital with COVID-19.

The new figures include data from Friday and the weekend.Labs in the province completed processing 7,163tests over those three days.

Case at long-term care home

A case reported Friday is a staff member at SaintVincent's Nursing Home in Halifax, according tothe facility's website.

Public Health determined the exposure to be "very low risk." All residents werebeing tested as a precaution.

As of Friday's update, 77.7 per cent of Nova Scotians had received one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 70.6 per cent had received two doses.

Atlantic Canada case numbers

• Newfoundland and Labradorreported seven new cases Monday. There are 21active cases in the province.
• New Brunswickreported 16new cases Friday for 160active cases.
• Prince Edward Islandreported five new cases Friday, all related to travel. The province hadeightactive cases.