2 new cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia Thursday

Nova Scotia reported two new cases of COVID-19 and two recoveries on Thursday for a total of 39 active cases in the province.

Both new cases are in the eastern zone. One is connected to an earlier case and the other is under investigation.

Two people are in hospital and one of them is in the intensive care unit.

Nova Scotia's health labs did3,315 tests Wednesday. The province has given1,062,418 doses of COVID-19 vaccine, including348,034 second doses.

Nova Scotians 35 and olderare now eligible to receive their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by walk-in at the Halifax Convention Centre, the second day the clinic has been open to peoplewithout appointments.

There are 800 doses of Moderna available Thursday. This clinic isavailable to people 18 and olderfor first doses and to 35 and olderfor second doses.

The convention centre willopen the walk-in clinic from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. No appointments are necessary. It is the only location in the province where walk-in vaccinations are being offered.

According to an IWKHealth Centre spokesperson, Wednesdaysaw approximately 130walk-ins.

Vaccinations for kids under 12

Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, said Thursday thatclinical trials for vaccinating children under the age of 12 have started in Canada.

Currently, the Pfizer-BioNTechvaccine is authorized in Canada for those over the age of 12, while Moderna has been restricted to those over 18.

When askedwhy it's taken so long for the trials to start and for the vaccines to be approved for children, Strang said it comes down to risk.

"The focus has been on those at greatest risk of severe disease. So,starting with with older adults and then moving downwards and doing the appropriate and necessary clinical trials," he told CBC's Information Morning Nova Scotia.

Strang said it is possible a vaccinecould be approved by this fall for childrenunder12.He said he will be ona conferencecall Thursday with his counterparts from across Canada to talk about the status of the vaccine trials.

Atlantic Canada case numbers

• New Brunswickreported no new cases Thursday and has nine active cases.
• Newfoundland and Labradorreported no new cases Wednesday and has 14active cases.
• P.E.I.reported onenew case late Tuesday and has twoactive cases.