HALIFAX, N.S. —

Seven new COVID-19 cases in Nova Scotia were announced on Sunday but no new deaths.

The cases were confirmed in testing performed on Saturday, according to Nova Scotia’s daily update released on Sunday.

That, added to the three announced on Saturday, brings the total in the province to 1,018.

“Mother’s Day weekend is usually filled with visits and hugs for moms, grandmothers and mother-figures. Unfortunately, for many families, Mother’s Day will look different this year,” Premier Stephen McNeil said in the release. “Please celebrate your mother as safely as possible today. If you don’t live with her, send your love virtually. This virus doesn’t pause its spread for even one day.”

Provincial officials did not hold a video teleconference on Sunday.

The QEII Health Sciences Centre’s microbiology lab, which runs 24-hours a day, completed 676 Nova Scotia tests on Saturday.

“Everything we are all doing to slow COVID-19 is working, but we are not out of the woods. This will be a many months-long process and we must remain vigilant,” Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health, said in the release. “Enjoy your weekend and Mother’s Day while following our public health orders and recommendations.”

While no deaths were reported on Sunday, one was reported in Saturday’s update, again occurring at the Northwood long-term care home in Halifax.

41 deaths at Northwood

Northwood has now seen a total of 41 deaths related to COVID-19. It is one of three long-term care homes and unlicensed seniors’ facilities in Nova Scotia with active cases, according to the release. Northwood has 157 residents and 20 staff with active cases.

One other facility has one staff member with an active case of COVID-19 and another facility has one resident with an active case.

To date, Nova Scotia has 33,579 negative test results, 1,018 positive COVID-19 test results and 47 deaths. Nine people are currently in hospital, three of those in ICU. Seven-hundred and forty-nine individuals have now recovered and their cases of COVID-19 are considered resolved.

Cases have been identified in all parts of the province. A map and graphic presentation of the case data is available here. 

Anyone with two or more of the following symptoms – fever, new or worsening cough, sore throat, runny nose and headache – is advised to visit https://811.novascotia.ca to determine if they should call 811 for further assessment.

The government asks Nova Scotians to strictly adhere to public health orders and directives to practise good hygiene, maintain a physical distance of two metres from others, limit essential gatherings to no more than five people and stay at home as much as possible.

Up-to-date information, handwashing posters and fact sheets can be accessed here.