Nova Scotia Reports 13 New COVID-19 Cases, Including 5 School-Related Cases

Nova Scotia health officials reported 13 new coronavirus cases on Friday and Saturday, five of which are linked to a private school in Dartmouth.

The province says 11 new cases were detected on January 1, of which 10 were in the central area, along with one case related to travel in the northern area.

Of the central zone cases, eight were close contacts of previously reported cases and two were travel-related.

Five of those cases were related to Churchill Academy, a private school in Dartmouth. The province says two other recently reported cases were also related to the school, making a total of seven cases now known at the school.

“Public Health has been in contact with the school community and is organizing tests for all staff and students,” the province said in a statement.

“This is another reminder of how COVID-19 jumps to any possibility of spread,” Prime Minister Stephen McNeil said in the statement.

“We are putting our arms around this school community and providing the necessary trials and support. As we begin this new year, let’s remember to be vigilant in following public health protocols and let’s not forget the importance of being kind.

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Saturday’s COVID-19 update came as a surprise as the province initially said there would be no updates on new cases until January 4.

Nova Scotia has 27 known active cases of COVID-19 as of Saturday.

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Since the start of the second wave, the province has confirmed 410 cases of the virus, of which 382 are now considered resolved.

The province says one person is currently hospitalized with COVID-19.

“The early days of 2021 show that we cannot let our guard down when it comes to COVID-19,” said Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer for health, in Saturday’s statement.

“Follow public health measures diligently, monitor your health closely and stay home if you feel sick, follow the collection limit, and get tested at a pop-up site or public testing center.”

The province announced earlier this week that restaurants and other licensed establishments in the Halifax and Hants County area may reopen for dinner services beginning Monday.

“They must follow province-wide restrictions, including ending service at 10pm and closing at 11pm,” the province said.

The casinos remain closed.

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