'Let's keep up the good work': Nova Scotia reports no new COVID-19 cases Thursday

Nova Scotia reportedno new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday.

There are 11 known active cases in the province. One person is in hospital.

"We wouldn't be where we are today without the co-operation and willingness of Nova Scotians to follow the public health protocols," Premier Stephen McNeil said in a news release from the Department of Health and Wellness.

"I thank everyone for their patience in abiding by the restrictions we have in place to protect each other's health, and for the collective effort to contain the virus."

The province has reported fewer than 10 cases a day since Jan. 7.

Nova Scotia labs completed 1,763 tests on Wednesday.

Dr. Robert Strang, the province's chief medical officer of health, has been urging Nova Scotiansnotto become complacent because of the low numbers of newCOVID-19 cases in the province, but on Thursday, he offered encouraging words.

"It is evident that people are taking our public health protocols seriously as we continue to see low numbers of new cases," Strangsaid in the release. "Let's keep up the good work and continue to follow all of the public health measures."

McNeil and Strang are expected to provide an update on COVID-19 in the province on Friday at 1 p.m.

Earlier this week, Strangoutlined a three-month plan for prioritizing vaccinations amid supply constraints.

Pfizer-BioNTech announced Jan. 19 there would be no new shipments of the vaccine to Canada this week as itpausesproduction in Belgiumto increase long-term capacity.

Strang said the province has been focusing on vaccinating front-line healthworkers and those directly involved in the COVID-19 response.

Seven long-term care facilities across the province were expected to have vaccines to start their immunization programs Thursday.

As of Wednesday, 13,504 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the province, including2,709second doses.

Potential exposures

On Thursday, Public Health issued an advisory for a Jan. 26 WestJet flight from Toronto to Halifax.

Anyone who was onWestJetflight 3346in rows 1-6, seats A, B and C shouldbook aCOVID-19 test on theself-assessment websiteor contact 811, regardless of whether you haveCOVID-19 symptoms.

Anyone exposed to COVID-19 on this flight may develop symptoms up to, and including, Feb. 9.

Atlantic Canada case numbers

• Newfoundland and Labradorreported four new cases Thursday.The province hasnine active cases and one person isin hospital with the virus.
• New Brunswickreported 27new cases on Thursday for a total of 313 active cases. Four people are being treated in hospital with two in intensive care.
• P.E.I.reported zero new cases on Tuesday. The province had six active cases.