N.S. confirms small presence of Delta variant as latest reopening measures begin
Photo credit: Communications Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia reported zero new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, but has identified earlier cases related to the delta variant and Dr. Robert Strang says it still poses a threat. He says the national microbiology lab has verified 20 Delta variant cases and 36 Alpha variant cases among reported cases in the province to date. He noted the variants can spread quickly, especially among those who haven’t received two doses of vaccine. During his 150th COVID-19 news conference yesterday, Dr. Strang repeatedly emphasized that the best way to head off a fourth wave driven by the Delta variant is for the province to have 75 per cent of its population fully vaccinated. So far, about 75 per cent of the population has one dose and about 45 per cent have had two doses.
The province entered the fourth phase of its reopening plan Wednesday, with retail shops and bars operating at full capacity provided social distancing is possible and masks are worn, and indoor gatherings of up to 150 people permitted. In addition, masks are also no longer mandatory for children age 12 and under in child care or other settings like day camps and overnight camps and outdoor public places where it may be difficult to maintain physical distance, such as markets, playgrounds and parks. Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness says there are no other changes to mask regulations at this time. (With files from the Canadian Press)
Liberal government ratifies labour deal with 6,500 health workers
AP Photo/Tony Dejak
Nova Scotia’s Liberal government has reached a three-year collective agreement with about 6,500 health-care workers. The province says the deal ratified this week provides wage increases of 1.5 per cent per year with an additional one per cent in the final year. Premier Iain Rankin says in a news release the deal with the Health Care Council of Unions will ensure stability in the delivery of health-care services after a year and a half of challenges and uncertainty. The council represents lab technicians, pharmacists and other regulated health-care professionals employed by the province’s health authorities. The term of the new agreement is from Nov. 1, 2020, to Oct. 31, 2023. The province says the cumulative cost of the wage increases will be about $23 million annually by the end of the third year of the agreement. (The Canadian Press)
Fuel prices up in New Brunswick
Regular self-serve increased 1.6 cents. Diesel is up slightly by two-tenths of a cent. Nova Scotia sets its fuel prices at midnight tonight.
Storm in province confirmed as a tornado, with winds exceeding 150 km/h
Photo submitted to Global News
It’s been confirmed by researchers that a tornado did indeed hit Stewiacke, N.S. a couple weeks ago, with winds exceeding 150 km/h — destroying a barn and causing damage to other structures and trees. The Northern Tornadoes Project, in collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada, investigated the storm, which happened on June 30. The Stewiacke Fire Department responded to downed power lines, trees on fire and a house struck by lightning — in under two hours, there were seven calls in all. (With files from Global News)
