We now know why COVID-19 cases have suddenly risen in Nova Scotia.
In today’s provincial COVID-19 briefing, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang said the rise is due to clusters of cases related to several faith groups, in the Central, Western and Northern zones, that participated in a single multi-day event.
He says we are now seeing further spread amongst these faith groups, but at this time, there is no indication of spread beyond them.
“The majority of the cases involved have remained unvaccinated,” says Strang. “These communities are closely following public health requirements for testing and isolation and I want to thank them for their cooperation.”
The province announced 40 new cases of the virus today, with 21 in the Central Zone, 11 in the Western Zone and eight in the Northern Zone.
There are now 220 active infections. Nine people are in hospital, with one in the ICU.
Thirty-one recoveries were also announced today.
Dr. Strang and Premier Tim Houston also provided information about vaccines and mandates.
Dr. Strang announced the province would follow recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization on vaccine booster dose intervals of six months for those eligible to get them.
He says they expect to start offering booster doses to those 80 and older by the end of November.
Meanwhile, Houston discussed vaccine mandates and where the province is focused.
“The priority now is to track down and identify workers that employers haven’t heard from to determine their actual vaccination status and or their intentions,” says Houston. “If they are willing to be vaccinated, we will work with them.”
Houston also gave an update on vaccination rates among healthcare workers and teachers, those numbers can be found here.
