Canada: Authorities extend state of emergency in Nova Scotia until August 23 /update 21

Event

Authorities in Nova Scotia province announced that the state of emergency issued due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic would be extended from Sunday, August 9, until August 23. At least two new cases of COVID-19 were detected within the province on Saturday, August 8.

As of July 3, interprovincial travel between Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador is permitted without the need to self-isolate for residents of the Atlantic Canada region. Those who have traveled outside of Atlantic Canada will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. The wearing of a face covering is mandatory in most indoor places and public transport. 

As of August 8, health authorities have confirmed 121,148 COVID-19 cases and 9024 associated deaths in Canada. Further spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly, and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.

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