N.S. reports 1 death, 41 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday

The Nova Scotia government reported one death related to COVID-19and 41 new cases on Thursday.

A woman in her 80s in the central health zone died of COVID-19, a news release said.

"My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the woman who has passed," said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, in the release.

"The vaccine can help prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death. I urge Nova Scotians to get both doses and keep doing all you can to protect each other."

Of the 41 new cases,29 are in the central health zone. Nine are close contacts of previously reported cases and twoare related to travel. There are 18 cases whose cause has not been determined andare under investigation.

Community spread in central zone

The province said there are signs of community spread among those aged 20 to 40 in the central health zone who are unvaccinated and participating in social activities. Several bars in downtown Halifax have been listed as potential exposure sitesover the past two weeks.

Seven cases are in northern zone, with six being close contacts of previously reported cases. One is under investigation.

Of the three casesin western zone, one is related to travel, one is a close contact of a previously reported case and one is under investigation.

Two cases are in the eastern zone and both are close contacts of previously reported cases.

Labs in the province finished processing 4,357COVID-19 tests on Wednesday.

As of Thursday, 73.9per cent of Nova Scotiansare fully vaccinated.

Atlantic Canada case numbers

• New Brunswickreported 76new cases on Wednesday, including one death. The province has557active cases and 26people hospitalized, including 15in intensive care.
• Newfoundland and Labradorreported 23 new cases on Wednesday.The province has 77active cases.
• Prince Edward Islandreported three newCOVID-19 cases on Tuesday and 47 active cases.