Start of the 2021 Camping Season in N.S. delayed until at least June 1st

The start of camping season at provincial camping parks has been delayed until at least June 1 due to COVID-19 restrictions.  The Department of Lands and Forestry says campers with reservations between May 21 and 31 will be contacted by email to cancel and refund their bookings. Campers should not cancel their own reservations.  Campers who have already cancelled their reservations since May 7 will receive a refund. They should allow up to 10 business days to receive a refund.  Day-use parks and day-use areas of campgrounds continue to be open for outdoor recreation with a reminder from the province that people should only visit parks in their own community.

N.S. reports 118 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday, active cases drop to 1,591

The province reported 118 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, but with more recoveries than new cases, the active caseload has dropped.  There are now 1,591 known active cases, down from Monday’s caseload of 1,655.  Of the newly reported cases, 98 are in central health zone, 11 in eastern zone, five in western zone and four in northern zone.  64 people are in hospital, including 10 in the ICU.  Tuesday’s update also included a brief statement from Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer, thanking Nova Scotians for their “continued support, hard work and commitment to following the public health protocols.”  Dr. Robert Strang says they’re asking people to stick as close to home as possible and only travel outside their community when absolutely necessary.  Premier Iain Rankin and Dr. Strang will provide an update today (Wednesday, May 12), beginning at 3 p.m.

Meanwhile, the province announced Tuesday that people aged 40 and older can book appointments for the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines at clinics across the province.  COVID-19 vaccination appointments must be made online at https://www.novascotia.ca/vaccination or by phone at 1-833-797-7772.  Appointments for COVID-19 vaccines in community clinics and participating pharmacies will be released on a continuous basis as vaccine supply is confirmed.

Public Health’s list of potential exposure to COVID-19 includes locations across the province, in all four zones-including one in Stellarton and two in Truro

Last night’s list from Nova Scotia Health of potential exposure to COVID-19 includes sites in all four health zones in Nova Scotia – including one in Stellarton and two in Truro.  Regardless of whether or not you have COVID-19 symptoms, those present at the following locations on the named dates and times should get tested. For the following locations, if you do not have any symptoms of COVID-19 you do not need to self-isolate while you wait for your test result. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 you are required to self-isolate while you wait for your test result.

• Sobeys (293 S Foord Street, Stellarton) on May 8 between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
• Community Vaccine Clinic – NSCC Truro Campus (36 Arthur Street, Truro) on May 7 between 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
• Atlantic Superstore (46 Elm Street, Truro) on May 7 between 5:00 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. It is anticipated that anyone exposed to the virus at this location on the named date may develop symptoms up to, and including, May 21.

Anyone who worked at or visited these locations on the specified dates and times should visit covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ to book a COVID-19 test, regardless of whether or not they have COVID-19 symptoms. You can also call 811 if you don’t have online access, or if you have other symptoms that concern you.  All potential exposure notifications in the province are listed here: http://www.nshealth.ca/covid-exposures

Hope for a good summer with one dose in arms, if we ‘crush’ COVID-19: Trudeau

A summer of backyard barbecues and picnics in the park?  Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says it’s possible if people keep rolling up their sleeves and don’t ease COVID-19 public-health restrictions until cases are down.  “We can have that summer, we can have a one-dose summer … And a one-dose summer sets us up for a two-dose fall when we’ll be able to talk about going back to school back to work and back to more normality,” he says.  “That’s what the coming months could look like. That’s what I’m excited about.”  Canada hit a major milestone on the road to COVID-19 herd immunity Tuesday, with 40 per cent of Canadians — 15.2 million people — now vaccinated with at least their first dose.   Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam said 75 per cent is the target for first doses so lifting restrictions doesn’t result in a fourth wave.  The news comes even as Ontario and Alberta announce they will no longer be giving first doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.  Supply of that vaccine has been tight of late and there have been concerns about the risk of blood clots that come with that type of shot. (The Canadian Press)

Joe MacDonald seeking Liberal Nomination in Pictou East

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Joe MacDonald is announcing he plans to seek the Liberal Party nomination in the riding of Pictou East. In a news release, MacDonald says he wants to bring more jobs to the area and made note of the jobs created from the ongoing Highway 104 Twinning Project, which he was a strong advocate for. He says he’s looking forward to connecting with residents and hearing their issues. MacDonald will be vying against Pictou Landing First Nation Chief Andrea Paul, who filed her Liberal nomination candidate papers early last week. The district is currently represented by Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Houston. Nova Scotia does not have fixed election dates. The current Liberal mandate runs out in May 2022, which means an election is almost certain to happen this year.

Big Brothers Big Sisters says there are currently over 200 kids in Pictou County that are waiting for a mentor. The local organization says during this wave of the pandemic mentors are needed now more than ever. You can sign up today and mentor virtually. Call today 902-752-6260 or visit http://bbbsofpc.com/volunteer