N.S. tightens COVID-19 rules as Omicron cases found amid St. FX outbreak

Physical distancing and capacity restrictions are back in Nova Scotia as the province continues to battle an outbreak of COVID-19 at St. Francis Xavier University and the first confirmed cases of the omicronvariant in the province.

"The reality is cases across the country are up and we hoped to be immune here in Nova Scotia but we're not," Premier Tim Houston said during a briefing on Monday.

Nova Scotia reported 114 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, with 55cases incentral zone, 52 cases in eastern zone, five cases in western zone, and two cases in northern zone.Six people are in hospital, including two in intensive care. There are no hospitalizations in eastern zone, which includes St. FX and the Antigonish area.

Forty previously reported cases have been confirmed as Omicron variant cases by the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg. They all came from the Antigonish area, Nova Scotia Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strangsaid Monday. Headdedthat delta variant cases were also identified as part of the St. FX outbreak.

Nova Scotia reported more than 100 cases per day the last fourdays. COVID-19 positive cases haven't been this high since May, during the third wave of the pandemic.

The recent rise in cases is due to an outbreak at St. FXfollowing events related to the annual X-Ring ceremony at locations both on and off-campus.On Saturday the university's president, Andy Hakin, apologized for the school's role in the outbreak.

Hakin also said in a statement to the community late Sunday that he is among those infected.

Strang said it's possible the outbreak at St.FX is connected to an outbreak at Queen's University in Kingston, Ont. He said the Dalhousie men's rugby team travelled to Kingston to participate in theCanadian University Men's Rugby Championship, which was held Nov. 24-28. He said authorities in Ontario subsequently declared an outbreak at that event, and there is potentially a link to St. FX.

No hospitalizations so far

Strang said the case numbers connected to the Antigonish outbreakare more than he anticipated.

"I think what we're actually seeing is how transmissible and how easily this Omicron virus can spread," he said.

Houston said people are testing positive between two to three days of exposure. He saidmost of the symptoms people have been reporting are mild and despite rumours there have been no hospitalizations.

Houston said schools will remain open.

The province also confirmed an outbreak at Parkland Antigonish, a retirementcommunity.Two residents and two staff have tested positive so far. One staff member from Mary's Court, alicensed long-term care neighbourhood, has also tested positive.

All staff and residents are fully vaccinated. All residents of Mary's Court have had a third dose of the vaccine. Public Health is working with the facility to prevent more spread.

Watch Tom Murphy's interview with Dr. Robert Strang:

Dr. Robert Strang says new restrictions needed, as we learn more about the Omicron variant

3 years ago

Duration 7:37

The CBC's Tom Murphy speaks with Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health about new measures and the spread of the omicron variant.

Tighter restrictions take effect Friday at 9 a.m.

Recreation facilities, stores and malls, museums and libraries cannot run at maximum capacity unless physical distancing can be maintained.

There will be alimit on informal gatheringsof20 people, indoors and outdoors.Bars and restaurants will have a limit of no more than 20 people per table.

"Pick your 20 closest family and friends and keep that group consistent," saidStrang.

"Twenty is plenty."

Strang said the restrictions will be reassessed in January.

All close contacts must now isolate

Strangsaid Friday that given the increase in cases and thehigh number of recent exposures,all close contacts of positive cases must now isolateuntil they receive a negative PCR test, regardless of vaccination status.

Previously, people who were fully vaccinated didn't have to isolate if they were exposed.

Testing isavailable to people experiencing symptoms, those who are asymptomatic, people who have been at an exposure site or are a close contact of a positive case.

TheAntigonish COVID-19 Testing Centreis open on Monday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for asymptomatic community members.

Vaccination clinics

Nova Scotia Health is also offering COVID-19 vaccination clinics at the following locations for anyoneaged five to 11who is receiving their first or second dose:

• North Grove at 6 Primrose St. in Dartmouth on Monday,Dec. 13, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Keshen Goodman Library at 330 Lacewood Dr. in Halifax on Wed. Dec. 15 from3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Cape Breton University at 1250 Grand Lake Rd. inSydney onMonday, Dec. 13, to Wednesday,Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• St. FX University, Keating Centre Conference Room at 1100 Convocation Blvd. inAntigonishon Thursday, Dec. 16, and Friday, Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Parents are asked to bring their child'shealth card and a piece of identification if they have it.

N.S. Health contacting people who have had COVID-19

Nova Scotia Health is getting in touch with Nova Scotianswho have been diagnosed with COVID-19 to find out whether they are still experiencing symptomsand to support them with their recovery.

"We know post-COVID-19 symptoms can have a significant impact on people's health and wellness, and they may not know where to go for help," said Ashley Harnish, ahealth services manager with Nova Scotia Health.

"This proactive outreach is just one of the ways we are trying to support patients as they recover and remind them there are people and supports in place when they need them."

Staff will call people who are 16 and olderand ask screening questions. The call will come from an unknown number and will take about five minutes. Callers will try twice, but will not be able to leave a voicemail for privacy reasons.

If the call is missed, people can complete the online screening.

Those who are under 16 and experiencing ongoing COVID-19 symptoms should contact theIWK Health Centre.

School exposures

The province added several school exposures on Monday:

• Atlantic Memorial Terence Bay Elementary in Shad Bay
• Basinview Drive Community School in Bedford
• Beechville Lakeside Timberlea Junior Elementary in Timberlea
• Burton Ettinger Elementary in Halifax
• Cunard Junior High in Halifax
• Halifax West High in Halifax
• Hammonds Plains Consolidated in Hammonds Plains
• Kingswood Elementary in Hammonds Plains
• LeMarchant-St. Thomas Elementary in Halifax
• Lockview High in Fall River
• Ridgecliff Middle School in Beechville
• Rocky Lake Junior High in Bedford
• Waverley Memorial Elementary in Waverley
• cole Beaubassin in Halifax
• cole Secondaire du Sommet in Halifax
• Cobequid Educational Centre in Truro
• Spring Street Academy in Amherst
• Valley Elementary School in Valley
• Chedabucto Education Centre/Guysborough Academy in Guysborough
• Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School in Antigonish
• Saint Andrew Junior School in Antigonish
• St. Andrews Consolidated School in St. Andrews
• Tamarac Education Centre inPort Hawkesbury

The province maintainsa list of school exposures here.

Atlantic Canada case numbers

• New Brunswickreported twodeaths and 100 new caseson Monday. The province has 1,048active cases, with 41people in hospital, including 14in intensive care.
• Newfoundland and Labradorreported two cases Friday. The province has 13 active cases.
• Prince Edward Islandreported sevencases on Sunday.The province has 37active cases.