N.S. reports 46 in designated COVID-19 units on Thursday

Nova Scotia reported 46 people in designated COVID-19 hospital units on Thursday, including 12 in ICU. 

The age range of those in hospital is 0 to 96 years old, with a median age of 67, according to a news release. The average length of stay in the hospital is 6½ days.

The vaccination status of those in hospital is:

Only about 7.9 per cent of Nova Scotians remain unvaccinated. 

Premier Tim Houston said Wednesday that "if everything stays on course" all restrictions, including mask mandates, will be lifted by March 21. Houston said "COVID zero" is not a reality right now. He said "living with COVID" has to be our new reality.

Nova Scotia Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang said proof of vaccination for discretionary activities, such as going to the gym, restaurants, sports or arts and cultural events, will no longer be required as of Feb. 28, but it will still be required for a while longer in higher-risk settings like hospitals and long-term care homes.

On Thursday, Nova Scotia's health authority said there is no plan to allow health-care workers who refused vaccination to return to work when the province drops its vaccine passport requirement. 

In early December, the province placed more than 1,000 public sector workers who refused to adhere to the province's mandatory vaccination policy on leave. That included 323 Nova Scotia Health staff. 

"It's not new for people that work in health care to have to have a slate of vaccinations. I mean, this is this is something that's been around for a long time. You need to have certain certain vaccinations to work in health care," Houston said Thursday.

"These discussions are going on but my personal belief is that we will see the COVID vaccines added to the list of existing vaccines that you would need." 

The province also announced Thursday that Nova Scotians who test positive for COVID-19 using a rapid test can once again confirm their results with a lab-based PCR test.

The health authority said its microbiology lab now has the capacity to resume the service thanks to a continued decline in COVID-19 cases in the province.

On March 7, places like restaurants and bars, finance facilities and movie theatres will be able to operate at 75 per cent capacity with distancing "as much can be achieved with their specific physical space." This also applies to events like tournaments, competitions, faith gatherings and meetings.

The informal gathering limit will be 25 people indoors but increase to 50 outdoors.