N.S. reports 28 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday

Nova Scotia reported 28 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, bringing the active caseload in the province to 172.

Sixteenof the new cases are in the northern zone and 12 are in the central zone.

Fourteenpeople are now in hospital with the virus, including fivein intensive care.

According to Friday's update, 81.2per cent of Nova Scotians have been double-vaccinated.

Vaccine bookings for children aged five to 11 opened on Friday morning, with new appointments regularly being opened as others were filled. Vaccinations are set to begin on Dec. 2.

Public Health staff will be on hand during the Spryfield Santa Claus Parade on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. to hand out rapid, take-home COVID-19 tests to anyone who wants one.

Several schools in Nova Scotia received exposure notifications on Thursday, including Cumberland North Academy and Spring Street Academy in Amherst, Valley Elementary School in Valley and Millwood High School in Middle Sackville. The province maintains a list of school exposures here.

Atlantic Canada case numbers

• New Brunswickreported 99new cases Friday. The province has 787 active cases, with 56people in hospital, including 18in intensive care.
• Newfoundland and Labradorreported six new casesFriday. It has 14active cases andone person is in hospital.
• Prince Edward Islandreported two new casesThursday. The province has 37active cases.