21 new COVID deaths reported this week

Nova Scotia is reporting 21 new COVID-19 deaths in this week's epidemiologic summary for the seven-day period ending June 6.

However it says only two of those actually occurred last week as “there is typically a delay in reporting deaths.”

The other 19 people died between April 25 and May 30.

Ninety per cent of the 21 people were at least 70 years old.

There were also 49 new hospitalizations due to the virus, an increase of seven since the previous week, and 1,474 new lab-confirmed cases, down from 1,563.

“My thoughts are with the 21 families who've lost their loved ones to COVID-19,” said Dr. Shelley Deeks, Nova Scotia's Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health in a news release. 

“As summer approaches, many of us are excited to reconnect with family and friends, but it's important we do so safely to protect those at high risk. Gather outside when you can, stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, and if you're sick, please stay home.”

To date, over 65 per cent of Nova Scotians 18 and older have received at least one booster dose, and 68,452 people have received a second.

Those over the age of 70 continue to be encouraged to get a second booster, as vaccine-related immunity wanes much more quickly with that age group.