All COVID-19 activity in the province announced Wednesday was at the Northwood long-term care home in Halifax.
At Wednesday’s COVID-19 update, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang says there’s been one more death, 51 total in that facility.
Dr. Strang says there was one new confirmed case of the virus, also at Northwood.
“For the first time, we’re reporting no new cases outside of Northwood for two days in a row,” he says. “That’s good news.”
Dr. Strang says that brings the provincial confirmed cases total to 1045.
With 956 recoveries and 57 deaths, there are 32 active cases left in the province.
Meanwhile, the province has reversed its stance on masks, it now recommends wearing non-medical masks to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Dr. Strang says the evidence now shows wearing a mask can help prevent you from spreading the virus.
He says, at current infection levels, they’re only recommending a mask in areas where it’s not possible to practice physical distancing.
“It’s really important that people don’t get a false sense of reassurance,” he says. “Masks are part of the package of the personal preventative measures; masks alone will not prevent the spread of the virus in our communities.”
Dr. Strang says they must be worn properly, covering nose and mouth, and staying there.
He says otherwise there’s no point.
Also at the Wednesday update, Premier Stephen McNeil announced the province will resume day and short-stay surgeries Monday.
McNeil says we’re making progress, and he hopes delayed surgeries will be rescheduled in the near future.
