Nova Scotia reported 1,950 new laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19, 28 hospitalizations and 10 deaths during the seven-day period ending June 13. The number of new PCR-positive tests is slightly higher than in last week’s report. However, the number of hospitalized and registered deaths has decreased.
As of this week, the number of laboratory-confirmed cases includes people who have COVID-19 for the second or more time. Recurrent infections were not previously included in the data reports because the number was small. But with the advent of the Omicron variant, reinfections have become more frequent, so Nova Scotia will now include them in reported laboratory-confirmed cases. This change is part of the reason for the increased number of cases this week.
“Since the beginning of the Omicron wave, there have been 215 people who have taken a positive test 90 days or more after a previous positive PCR test,” said Dr. Shelley Deeks, Nova Scotia’s deputy chief medical officer. “At this point, many Nova Scotians have tested positive for COVID-19, so the chances of re-infection are more likely; that’s why we’ve shifted our counting to include the number of re-infections in our weekly number of cases. “
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 71 and the average age of deaths has been 81. Eight (80 percent) of the COVID-19 deaths reported this week are 70 years old. aged or older.
The data show that age is the biggest risk factor for severe disease and that vaccines continue to work. The risk of hospitalization is nearly 11 times higher for people aged 70 and over and the risk of death about 112 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. Residents of Nova Scotia who do not keep up with the recommended vaccines are still encouraged to receive all eligible doses.
To date, 65.7% of New Scots aged 18 and over have received at least one booster dose, and 71,557 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:
Quick facts:
- re-infection is defined as a PCR positive result 90 days or more after a previous positive PCR result
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