COVID-19

Over 56% in N.S. fully vaccinated

Nova Scotia has reached a point where almost 56 per cent of people in the province are fully vaccinated.

There are also two new cases and one recovery in the province.

In an online news conference conducted via Zoom with media on Friday, Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, said progress is being made in vaccination goals.

“Our goal is to have 75 per cent of the population with two doses of the vaccine by the end of August.”

At that point, the province can move into Phase 5 of the recovery plan, which includes further reduction of restrictions.

“We haven't made a final decision, but I think it's safe to say that once you're able to get to that Phase 5, what it means is that, certainly looking at reducing or even removing any border requirements for domestic travellers,” Strang said. “International travellers, that's federal jurisdiction.

“It would also mean removing most, if not all, of the restrictions and mandatory measures but continuing to support and promote many of the individual measures such as increased hand-washing, increased cleaning … being careful about our social circles, as I mentioned before, not mandatory but certainly recommending masking in indoor places, especially when you're around other people.”

Strang said promoting those behaviours would minimize the spread of not just COVID but also influenza and other viruses and bacteria.

“Right now we have about 200,000 appointments booked until the end of August, but within that there are about 72,000 people who've had their first dose but have not yet moved up their appointments for their second dose,” Strang said.

“If we want to move on to the next phase of our reopening, we need those people who haven't had either their first or second dose to get vaccinated as soon as they are able.”

He encouraged those who have had a COVID-19 infection to still get two doses as there still isn't knowledge of whether they have longlasting immunity.

“If you haven't had a first or second dose of the vaccine, it's time to get one now. There are thousands of appointments available across the province.”

Strang said mass immunization clinics will be closed as of Aug. 15, but pharmacies will continue to deliver vaccines throughout the province. Anyone who has a second dose appointment scheduled at a community clinic after Aug. 15 must reschedule their appointment or it will be cancelled.

HMCS HALIFAX AFFECTED

The new cases announced Friday are in central zone. One is related to a close contact of a previously reported case. The other is connected to the Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Halifax and is the third one associated with the ship. Two cases were previously found among Halifax's crew.

“Public health is continuing to work very closely with our colleagues in the Canadian navy around how we respond — maybe to modify our approach to the crew that were on that ship,” Strang said.

As of Friday, Nova Scotia has 12 active cases of COVID-19, with no one in hospital because of it.

“We are not seeing any community spread anywhere in the province at this time,” Strang said.

There were 3,517 tests administered between July 16 and Thursday at the rapid-testing pop-up sites in Halifax, Dartmouth, Cole Harbour, Bedford and Sydney.

On Thursday, Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 2,821 tests.

As of Thursday, 1,271,948 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Of those, 541,389 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.

Since April 1, there have been 4,140 positive COVID19 cases and 27 deaths.

The woman whose death was announced earlier in the week had not been immunized, Strang said, adding that she had gotten sick a number of weeks ago and had been among the cases that were considered resolved in earlier reporting.

HEART SIDE EFFECTS

Strang also advised Nova Scotians of the possibility of myocarditis and pericarditis — inflammation of the heart muscle or the lining of the heart, respectively — after receiving an MRNA vaccine.

When it does occur, the reaction most often affects men under the age of 30 within a week of getting the second dose.

There have been 22 reported cases in Nova Scotia.

“Thankfully cases have been relatively mild and respond well to conservative treatment (in hospital) and rest.”

Strang said there have been no indications of any longterm effects from the reaction.

Anyone who experiences shortness of breath, chest pain or feelings of a rapid or abnormal heart rhythm after MRNA vaccination should seek medical attention.

STATE OF EMERGENCY RENEWED

The province is renewing the state of emergency to protect the health and safety of Nova Scotians and ensure safety measures and other important actions can continue. The order will take effect at noon, Sunday and extend to noon, Sunday, Aug. 8, unless government terminates or extends it.

There have been 4,195 cases from March 15 to July 21, 2021. Of those:

• 27 (0.6 per cent) were fully vaccinated

• 233 (5.6 per cent) were partially vaccinated

• 3,935 (93.8 per cent) were unvaccinated

There were 254 people hospitalized. Of those:

• 2 (0.8 per cent) were fully vaccinated

• 28 (11 per cent) were partially vaccinated

• 224 (88.2 per cent) were unvaccinated

Twenty-six people died. Of those:

• 1 (3.8 per cent) was fully vaccinated

• 3 (11.5 per cent) were partially vaccinated

• 22 (84.6 per cent) were unvaccinated