Nova Scotia reports 1,584 new laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19, 40 hospitalizations and 13 deaths during the seven-day period ending 23 May. The number of new cases, including those related to long-term outbreaks, continues to decline, as does the number of new hospitalizations.
“The pandemic is not over, but as we emerge from this latest wave of Omicron, I’m optimistic about what summer may be like in Nova Scotia,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s director of health. . “I know we’re all looking forward to reconnecting with friends, family and loved ones. There are ways to do it safely and in a way that protects people at high risk: get out when you can, stay on the day of your COVID-19 vaccines and, if you are sick, stay home.
Age remains the most closely related factor to severe COVID-19 outcomes:
- since the start of the Omicron waves on December 8, 2021, the average age of confirmed cases in the laboratory is 43 years, while the average age of hospitalizations and deaths is almost double, at 71 and 81, respectively.
- the risk of hospitalization is more than 10 times higher for those aged 70 or over compared to those under 50 and the risk of death is more than 110 times higher.
- Of the 13 deaths reported this week, 11 (85%) were in people 70 years of age or older and 7 (54%) were in long-term care.
COVID-19 vaccines provide the best layer of protection against serious outcomes. Most people between the ages of 12 and 69 are well protected with a two-dose primary series plus a booster. Vaccine immunity decreases more rapidly in people 70 years of age or older. People in this age group are also more likely to need hospitalization or die from COVID-19. For these reasons, a second booster dose of the vaccine is recommended for this age group.
To date, 65.6% of Nova Scotians aged 18 and over have received at least one booster dose and 59,631 people have received a second dose.
The weekly epidemiological summary of COVID-19 is prepared for the medical director of health and his team to report on the public health management of the pandemic. It tracks weekly trends and focuses on tracking serious outcomes in key populations. The full report is available here:
Brief details:
- the sixth wave of the pandemic began on March 1st
- the public bulletin board will continue to be updated until the end of June
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