Weekly COVID-19 data report for June 9, 2022

Nova Scotia reported 1,474 new laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 49 hospitalizations during the seven-day period ending June 6. The number of new PCR-positive tests has decreased; however, the number of hospitalizations has increased.

During this seven-day period, 21 deaths from COVID-19 were reported at Panorama, the public health information system, including two deaths last week. There are usually delays in reporting deaths, with the remaining 19 occurring between April 25 and May 30. Nineteen (90 percent) of the 21 people are at least 70 years old.

“My thoughts are with the 21 families who have lost loved ones to COVID-19,” said Dr. Shelley Dijks, Nova Scotia’s deputy chief medical officer. “As summer approaches, many of us are excited to reconnect with family and friends, but it is important to do so safely to protect high-risk people. Gather outside when you can, keep up with your COVID-19 vaccines, and if you are sick, please stay home. ”

People aged 70 and over continue to be at the highest risk of severe COVID-19 results. Since the beginning of the Omicron waves on December 8, 2021, the average age of hospitalizations has been 72 and the average age of people who have died is 81.

Evidence shows that age is the biggest risk factor for severe disease and that vaccines work. The risk of hospitalization is nearly 11 times higher for people aged 70 and over and the risk of death about 125 times higher than for those under 50. Vaccine-related immunity declines more rapidly in people aged 70 and over, so a second booster dose was recommended this spring. Most adults under the age of 70 are still well protected against serious illness through their basic series of two doses plus one booster.

To date, 65.6% of New Scots aged 18 and over have received at least one booster dose, and 68,452 have received a second.

The weekly epidemiological summary of COVID-19 is being prepared for the Chief Medical Officer of Health and his team to inform the public health management of the pandemic. It tracks weekly trends and focuses on monitoring severe outcomes in key populations. The full report is available here:

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