Nova Scotia reports 34 cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, active cases rise to 173

Health officials in Nova Scotia are reporting 34 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, along with 20 recoveries, as the number of active cases in the province rises to 173.

Twenty-six new cases were identified in the province's Northern zone. All are close contacts of previously reported cases.

The province says there is a large cluster of linked cases in a defined, unvaccinated group in Northern Zone, and more cases are expected.

Seven new cases were identified in the province's Central zone. Two are close contacts of previously reported cases and five are under investigation.

Health officials say there are signs of community spread among those in Central zone aged 20 to 40 who are unvaccinated and participating in social activities.