N.S. reports 175 new COVID-19 cases for another single-day high
The province recorded another single-day high in COVID-19 cases Wednesday with 175. The epicentre of the current outbreak is the Halifax area, where health officials identified 149 cases, while 13 cases were reported in the province’s eastern zone, nine in the western zone and four in the northern zone. The province now has a total of 1,203 known active cases, with 40 people in hospital, including nine in intensive care. Meanwhile, health officials confirmed that the backlog of tests reported at the provincial lab last Friday had been cleared, and results would now be available within 48 to 72 hours.
Nova Scotia Health Public Health is advising of potential exposure to COVID-19 at three locations in the Central Zone, two locations in the Western Zone, two Air Canada flights and one WestJet flight. All potential exposure notifications in the province are listed here: http://www.nshealth.ca/covid-exposures
Experts say Canada may find it challenging to reach herd immunity for COVID-19 but a return to pre-pandemic life is possible through vaccinations. Considered the “endgame” for a vaccination blitz, herd immunity is achieved when enough people are immune either through vaccinations, infections, or a combination of both. Professor Paul Tupper from Simon Fraser University’s mathematics department says immunity through vaccines and infection doesn’t last permanently and because the virus is across the world, COVID is reintroduced in different places across borders. The virus is being transmitted worldwide, which means it is reintroduced in different places across borders and immunity through vaccination and infection doesn’t last permanently. The vaccines don’t seem to be completely effective against some of the new variants, he said. Tupper says COVID-19 may eventually become like the seasonal flu. (The Canadian Press)
New Glasgow Regional Police charge motorist for violating the Emergency Management Act
New Glasgow Regional Police have charged a 32-year-old man for violating the Emergency Management Act. On Wednesday morning at about 9:30 a.m., Police conducted a vehicle stop and charged the man for speeding through a Construction Zone on the Trenton Connector Road in Trenton, NS. Through their investigation, police determined that the driver was travelling from Halifax to New Brunswick and travelled to Trenton for non-essential business. So, the man was also charged under the Emergency Management Act for failing to comply with direction, order or requirement made under the act that all persons are restricted travel within their own municipality.
Plan to restart idled Northern Pulp mill to be redrafted: company
Photo credit: Stingray Radio New Glasgow
Northern Pulp says their plans for a new effluent treatment facility have been withdrawn from the province’s environmental assessment process. The owners of the idled mill in Abercrombie Point issued a statement Wednesday saying the company is instead drafting a new plan that calls for an overhaul of the mill and a more advanced treatment facility. The plant, which once employed about 300 people, was shuttered in January 2020 after then premier Stephen McNeil decided Northern Pulp would no longer be allowed to dump effluent near the Pictou Landing First Nation. The company had submitted two plans that would have seen the mill dumping wastewater directly into the Northumberland Strait, but the province rejected both options in December 2019. Despite the shutdown of the mill, owned by Paper Excellence Canada, new plans for effluent treatment were submitted for environmental review and the province announced in May 2020 it would spend up to $10 million to help the company clean up the site. The province said the money would help pay for removal of leachate, decommissioning of effluent pipes and cleanup of ditches and aeration basins on the site. It said the work is expected to be completed by June 30, 2021. The province owns the pipe that runs from the mill to the now-closed effluent lagoon. In June 2020, the mill was granted protection from its creditors under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act, a move aimed at allowing the company to restructure. At the time, Paper Excellence said it wanted to preserve the value of its assets as it explored alternatives for restarting the mill. Northern Pulp spokesman Graham Kissack issued a statement saying they’re “committed to doing things differently.” Adding Northern Pulp is developing a plan to “transform the mill” and address the concerns of local residents, special interest groups and First Nations. The company plans to submit a new proposal to the provincial government before the end of the month. (With files from the Canadian Press)
RCMP asking for the public’s help identifying suspect in fraud and theft investigation in Pictou County
RCMP Photo (submitted)
Pictou County District RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in relation to a fraud and theft investigation. Police say a man entered the Esso gas station in Plymouth on March 25, just before 3:00 a.m., and made three purchases with a stolen debit card. The man is described as white and was wearing blue jeans, white shoes, a black coat and red hoodie. Anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or has information about the suspect, is asked to call the Pictou County District RCMP at 902-755-4141. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.
Increase in New Brunswick fuel prices
A jump in New Brunswick fuel prices overnight. Regular self-serve gas increased 3.2 cents per litre and diesel is up 1.7 cents. Nova Scotia sets its fuel prices at midnight.
