Nova Scotia reports 12 new cases of COVID-19 Sunday

Nova Scotia reported 12 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday.

There were seven new cases in the central health zone, six that were close contacts of previously reported cases. Another is being investigated.

The eastern health zone had three new cases, two that were close contacts of previously reported cases. Onecase is being investigated.

There weretwo travel-related cases in the northern zone.

According to a news release, there is limited community spread in the central zone and other areas of the province are being monitored for potential community spread.

The number of people hospitalized with the virus remained at 20, including six in intensive care.

There are now 204 active cases of the virus in the province, the lowest number since April 24.

Nova Scotia Health labs completed 4,316 tests on Saturday.

Premier Iain Rankin congratulated Nova Scotians for working together to bring the numbers down by observing restrictions and getting tested and vaccinated.

"I hope Nova Scotians are celebrating all we have accomplished together, safely with outdoor visits with friends, enjoying the beautiful weather on a patio or supporting one of our incredible local retailers," he said in the release.

New school cases

Sunday evening, Nova Scotia announced two new cases connected to schools in the central health zone.

It is unclear if these cases were included in Sunday's case count.

According to a news release, there was one caseatGraham Creighton Junior High inDartmouth,and one at the Dartmouthcampus of the Bedford and Forsyth Education Centres.

Both schools will be closed to students until June 10 in order to allow testing of close contacts and deep cleaning of the facilities.

Students will learn from home during the closure, beginning on Tuesday, June 8.

Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health,said COVID-19 is still present ata "low level" in Halifax communities and sporadic school cases connected to community exposure are to be expected.

"In consultation with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, there are established protocols for closing and opening schools and schools remain safe places for students and staff," he said.

COVID-19 briefings

The province has scheduled three COVID-19 briefings for the week of June 7 with Rankin andStrang.

They will be held on Monday and Wednesday at 3 p.m. and on Friday at 2 p.m.

The briefings will be carried live on the CBC Nova Scotia News website.

Atlantic Canada case numbers

• New Brunswickreported three new cases on Sunday.New Brunswick has133active cases.
• Newfoundland and Labradorreported five new cases on Sunday for 68 active cases.
• P.E.I.reported twonew cases Thursday and hadsix active cases.