N.S. reports 11 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday

Nova Scotia is reporting 11 new cases of COVID-19, including five related to travel.  The other six cases are close contacts of previously reported cases.  Seven are in the Central Zone and two each in the Northern and Western zones.  The number of active cases of COVID-19 in the province has fallen to 49 due to 18 recoveries, and there are currently no hospitalizations.

Nova Scotia Health Public Health is advising of potential exposure to COVID-19 at locations in the Northern, Central and Eastern zones and on one Air Canada flight.  All potential exposure notifications are listed here: http://www.nshealth.ca/covid-exposures

Travellers coming from New Brunswick who are not fully vaccinated will once again need to self-isolate upon arrival in Nova Scotia.  Those coming from our neighbouring province will be subject to the same requirements as travellers from provinces and territories outside Atlantic Canada.  The new border policy kicks in at 8 a.m. this morning.

Health officials say that by the end of August, all community vaccine clinics will close. After that, COVID-19 vaccines will only be available in participating pharmacies and primary care clinics. If you have a second dose appointment scheduled after Aug. 30, you must reschedule your appointment, or it will be cancelled. Those people affected would have received a rescheduling notice by email if they provided one at the time of booking. Anyone who did not provide an email will receive a phone call to reschedule their appointment, or they can call 1-833-797-7772.

 

NSCC announces mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for students, staff

Nova Scotia Community College has announced that it will make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for all employees and students.  Students and employees will have until Tuesday, October 12 to provide proof of vaccination. As of Tuesday, October 12, students and employees who cannot or choose not to be vaccinated for medical, religious or other reasons will be required to be tested for COVID-19 twice per week and wear masks on campus.

 

MOPC Approves $18.7 million budget for 2021-2022 fiscal year

The Municipality of Pictou County has approved its 2021-2022 operating budget.  Council approved its $18.7 million budget during a special council meeting on Monday.  Residential tax rates are set at 0.8155 per $100 assessment for residential and resource property and at $1.8255 per $100 assessment for commercial property.  Due to the delay in approving the 2021-2022 operating budget, the payment for the final bill for property taxes has been extended to Nov. 3, 2021.  The municipality’s largest expenditures are protective services at a cost of $4.9 million and education’s mandatory contribution at $5.2 million.  This year’s budget also includes over $284,000 in financial support for local community and recreational organizations.  The budget also included the approval of a new equalization funding formula for the county’s 17 local fire departments.

 

The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) releases first-quarter financial results this week

Photo credit: Andrew Vaughan/The Canadian Press

The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation has shown a sharp increase in liquor and pot sales through the spring and early summer compared to the prior year.  The Crown agency released its first-quarter financial results today for April 1st to July 4th.  Total sales for the quarter were up 15 per cent with an increase in both alcohol and cannabis, and earnings went up by 71.7 million dollars compared to the year before.  The agency says the increase was driven by longer store operating hours.

 

Police looking to identify suspect in Break and Enter in Trenton on August 7th 

NGRP Photo (submitted)

New Glasgow Regional Police are investigating after someone broke into Cornish Variety on North Main Street in Trenton about 5:30am on Saturday, August 7th and stole a quantity of cigarettes and fled the area.  The suspect is described as being an adult male wearing light coloured jeans that were ripped in the front; a long sleeved red and black shirt that was tied around his head, a long sleeve grey and black shirt with a short sleeve black t-shirt, black running shoes and burgundy hat.  New Glasgow Regional Police  continue to investigate.  If anyone has information on this suspect they are asked to call the New Glasgow Regional Police at 902-752-1941.  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.‎

 

Sports:

Canada’s National Women’s Team blanked Switzerland 5-0 on Tuesday night at the 2021 IIHF Women’s World Championship.  The win sets up a fight for first place in Group A between Canada and the United States on Thursday night to close out the preliminary round.

 

New Glasgow Cubs win Provincial Championship over the weekend

The New Glasgow Cubs won the Provincial Championship in Bridgewater over the weekend.  They will now be moving on to the Atlantic Canadian Championships in Newfoundland in September.  The Stellarton Albions were silver medal winners, congrats to all the teams that took part!