N.S. reports 13 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday
13 new cases of COVID-19 and 20 recoveries were reported in Nova Scotia on Wednesday. There are seven new cases in Central Zone. Two of the cases are close contacts of previously reported cases. Two are related to travel and three are under investigation. Six new cases are in Eastern Zone. Three of the cases are close contacts of previously reported cases. Two are related to travel and one is under investigation. Nova Scotia has 164 active cases of COVID-19. Of those, 15 people are in hospital COVID-19 units, including seven in ICU.
Nova Scotians who received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine on or before April 10th, and are scheduled to receive their second dose on or before July 24th, can now reschedule their appointments for earlier dates. Those who provided an email address at the time of booking will receive a rescheduling notice by email. Anyone who did not provide an email can call the toll-free line at 1-833-797-7772 to reschedule.
The province has announced a plan to gradually ease COVID-19 restrictions on hospital visits in alignment with the Nova Scotia’s re-opening plan. As of yesterday (Wednesday), two family members or support people can visit patients in intensive care, critically ill patients in the emergency department and women in labour and after birth. Other restrictions will be eased in two- to four-week intervals, depending on the vaccine rollout, COVID-19 caseloads and the capacity of the health-care system to manage new cases.
Travel quarantine rules set to ease as millions of Moderna vaccine doses expected
Fully vaccinated Canadian citizens and permanent residents who test negative for COVID-19 will likely soon be exempt from two weeks quarantine on return to Canada, the government announced on Wednesday, as millions of doses of the Moderna vaccine were expected to start arriving. Starting early next month, the travellers who have received shots at least 14 days before entering the country will be able to skip a stay in a government-approved quarantine hotel but will still have to stay in isolation until their test comes back negative. Currently, air travellers are required to spend three days in quarantine at a hotel at their expense on arrival and then complete their two weeks of self-isolation at their destination. The government also said seven-million doses of Moderna were slated to arrive this month, with initial shipments starting next week. Currently, close to 70 per cent of people in Canada have received a first vaccine dose, helping drive case counts lower. (The Canadian Press)
Jump at the pumps in N.B.
Fuel prices are up in New Brunswick again this week. Regular self-serve gas increased 1.9 cents per litre. The price of diesel is up 2.6 cents. Nova Scotia sets its fuel prices at midnight tonight.
Public hearings into April 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting to begin in October
Public hearings are scheduled to begin in October for the inquiry into the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting. The Mass Casualty Commission said in a statement the hearings will take place between Oct. 26 and Dec. 10 at the Halifax Convention Centre and other unspecified venues. The inquiry is investigating what happened leading up to and during the killings but will also discuss firearms access, police and service-provider responses, emergency communications and intimate partner violence. In May, the commission announced it had granted standing to 56 participants, including families of those killed, police groups and organizations that advocate against gender-based violence. The commission, chaired by former chief justice of Nova Scotia Michael MacDonald, says it’s planning for in-person and virtual proceedings as needed, depending on the COVID-19 health orders in place by the fall. (The Canadian Press)
Emergency Alert Issued for Halifax Water Supply; one person sent to hospital
An emergency alert was issued shortly after midnight for the Grand Lake water supply in Halifax County. The alert says there is an unknown issue with the water in Grand Lake that has sent one person to hospital and resulted in animals dying. Residents who get their water from Grand Lake are being asked to cease using the water immediately. Do not drink, bathe, cook, boil and do not allow pets near the water. People are also being asked to stay away from the lake until the alert is lifted. Grand Lake supplies water to about 10,000 people in Halifax, Enfield, Elmsdale and Lantz. More information is expected to be announced this morning. (With files from Global News)
Province announces amendments to the Pension Benefits Act
Nova Scotians will soon find it easier to unlock their retirement funds when facing challenging circumstances. Amendments to the Pension Benefits Act and regulations will go into effect July 1st. The changes will streamline the process for Nova Scotians to access locked-in retirement accounts or life income funds. The amendments will mean Nova Scotians experiencing financial hardship can work directly with their financial institutions to access the funds.
Virtual Relay for Life set for this Saturday; Luminaries on sale until this evening
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Canadian Cancer Society will be holding Relay For Life events virtually this year. Participants will come together nationwide on June 12th with Pictou County being chosen as Atlantic Canada’s only local virtual event. The virtual Relay for Life broadcast will start at 6pm this Saturday on the Pictou County Relay For Life Facebook page. Relay for Life Luminaries will be lit at 8:45pm this Friday-June 11th along the George Street Bridge in New Glasgow. Luminaries are $5 and will be on sale until this evening. To purchase a luminary, call or text Shan at 902-301-4955.
