Warning for passengers on Toronto-Halifax flight after travel-related COVID-19 case

Nova Scotia reported a new case of COVID-19 on Wednesday, following another new case identified on Tuesday. Both are travel-related, the province said. 

The latest case involves a Nova Scotian who travelled outside of Canada.

On Tuesday, the first new case of COVID-19 in three weeks was identified in the central region. The province said Tuesday that person has been self-isolating since returning to the province.

The province did not specify in its Wednesday news release whether the latest person diagnosed had also self-isolated after returning to Nova Scotia. 

Possible exposure on WestJet flight

The Nova Scotia Health Authority is warning of a potential COVID-19 exposure on a WestJet flight from Toronto to Halifax on June 26.

The WestJet flight WS 248 departed Toronto at 10 a.m. and arrived in Halifax at 1:04 p.m. 

The health authority said anyone on the flight may have been exposed but based on public health's investigation, passengers in rows 16 through 21 and seats A to C, are more at risk. These passengers are advised to call 811.
 
NSHA said anyone exposed on that flight may develop symptoms up to July 10, 14 days after the flight. Passengers are being asked to monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

'Keep your guard up'

Nova Scotia has now recorded 1,063 positive tests during the pandemic.

"I hope everyone is able to have a safe and relaxing Canada Day, but that you keep your guard up. While this virus has changed many of our traditions, Nova Scotians have shown they're willing to do what is necessary to help stop the spread of COVID-19," said Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health for Nova Scotia, in Wednesday's news release.

"I ask everyone to continue to practise good hand washing, maintain a physical distance when and where required, and wear a non-medical mask when physical distancing is difficult."

The QEII Health Sciences Centre's microbiology lab completed 388 tests on Wednesday.

Nova Scotia has had 63 deaths related to the virus.

Two people who had COVID-19 are still in hospital, but their cases are considered resolved.

Symptoms list

People with one or more of the following symptoms are asked to visit 811's website to determine if you should go for further assessment:

• fever (i.e. chills, sweats).
• cough or worsening of a previous cough.
• sore throat.
• headache.
• shortness of breath.
• muscle aches.
• sneezing.
• nasal congestion/runny nose.
• hoarse voice.
• diarrhea.
• unusual fatigue.
• loss of sense of smell or taste.
• red, purple or blueish lesions on the feet, toes or fingers without clear cause.

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