N.S. reports 3 deaths, 99 new cases of COVID-19 over weekend

Nova Scotia reported three deaths and 99 new cases of COVID-19 over three days since its last update on Friday, bringing the active caseload Monday to 265.

Those who died wereresidents at a long-term care home and a group home where outbreaks of COVID-19 have been linked toa religious gathering in Octoberthat failed to follow public health rules.

Two of the people,a man and womanboth in their 80s,were residents of the East Cumberland Lodge long-term care home in Pugwash, N.S. Thethird person, Victoria Harrison, 64, was a resident of a group home in Amherst, N.S.

"Too many Nova Scotians have lost their lives because of this virus and my heart goes out to the families and loved ones left behind," Premier Tim Houston saidin a statement.

"I'm very upset and concerned that we now have deaths and climbing ICU numbers as a result of the current outbreaks.

Fifty-two of the new cases reported Monday are in the central zone, 25 are in the northern zone,21 arein the western zone and one is in the eastern zone.

Sixteen people are nowin hospital with COVID-19, including sevenin intensive care.

As of Monday, 79.6 per cent of Nova Scotians have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Ninemore schools were notified of an exposure over the weekend. The province maintains a list of schools with exposures here.

Houston is urging people to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

"There are people who are more vulnerable to this virus even if they are vaccinated. We can protect them by being vaccinated ourselves," Houston said.

"If you aren't vaccinated this should be a good enough reason to take that step and get it done."

Atlantic Canada case numbers

• New Brunswickreported 40 new cases Monday. The province has 525 active cases, with 20people in hospital, including ninein intensive care.
• Newfoundland and Labradorreported one death two new cases on Monday. It has 31 active cases.
• Prince Edward Islandreported one new case on Monday. The province has eightactive cases.