Nova Scotia delays full reopening until next month after rise in COVID-19 cases
Photo credit: Communications Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is delaying the final phase of its COVID-19 recovery plan until early next month because a fourth wave of the novel coronavirus has hit the province and the rest of the Maritimes. Phase 5 was scheduled to be implemented Wednesday, but Health Minister Michelle Thompson said the plan would be delayed until at least Oct. 4. Health officials reported 66 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, including 61 in the northern zone, with two related to travel and 59 involving close contacts of previously reported infections. They said there is a large cluster of cases in the region involving a group of people who are largely unvaccinated. Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health, said officials were monitoring a cluster of cases in the northern zone to ensure there is no further spread beyond the area affected. He said the community was co-operating with health officials but declined to provide further details, saying he wanted to avoid stigmatization. The five remaining cases were in the Halifax area, where Dr. Strang said there were signs of community spread among people aged 20 to 40 who are unvaccinated and participating in social activities. Nova Scotia has 173 active reported cases and four people in hospital.
As of Tuesday, 72.7 per cent of the population had been fully vaccinated. Premier Tim Houston had previously said the province would move to Phase 5 when 75 per cent of all Nova Scotians were fully vaccinated, adding that the target was “very firm.” Dr. Strang said the fourth wave is mostly hitting people who have not received both vaccine doses. He said it would be “far better” to wait until the government is ready to implement its “proof-of-vaccine policy.” That policy, set for Oct. 4, would allow fully vaccinated residents to participate in activities the government deems non-essential. People 12 and older would have to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 to go to restaurants, gyms, theatres, concerts and sporting events. Once implemented, the last phase of the province’s five-step recovery plan would see the removal of most of the public health measures that have been in place since the onset of the pandemic, such as indoor masking and gathering limits. (The Canadian Press)
Court appearance by New Glasgow Mayor postponed
A court appearance by New Glasgow Mayor Nancy Dicks on an assault charge is being postponed to next month. The appearance is adjourned until October 19th at the request of both the Crown and Defence. The assault charge is in connection with an incident in September of 2020. (With files from Saltwire News)
Desmond inquiry: focus of hearings shifts to examination of domestic violence
Photo credit: The Canadian Press
The inquiry investigating why Lionel Desmond — a former soldier from Nova Scotia — killed himself and his family is expected to hear testimony about couples counselling today. On Tuesday, the provincial inquiry heard about the complex issue of domestic violence. The executive director of the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women testified that those facing intimate partner violence are most at risk when they are about to leave an abusive relationship. The inquiry has heard Desmond shot his wife, mother and 10-year-old daughter soon after he called a therapist and told her his wife had made it clear she wanted a divorce. (With files from the Canadian Press)
Speak Up for Health Care Tour begins next week
Premier Tim Houston and Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson will meet directly with frontline health-care workers during the Speak Up for Health Care tour that’s set for Sept. 20 to 23. The senior health system leaders announced on Sept. 1 will join the premier and minister. The premier and minister will each lead a team that will meet with doctors, nurses, paramedics and other providers working in the province’s acute care system. They will visit all four Nova Scotia Health Authority management zones and hear workers’ solutions to the problems in health care. Government will report back to health-care workers on the input gathered.
Roughly 5.8 million federal voters cast ballots at advanced polls
Elections Canada estimates roughly 5.8 million Canadians cast their ballot at advanced polls for the federal election. The polls were open from Friday to Monday (September 10th to 13th). According to preliminary figures provided by Elections Canada, there was an 18.5 per cent rise in advanced voters compared to the 4.9 million who voted in advance of the 2019 election. The number of early voters does not include mail-in ballots received by Elections Canada so far. Election day is Sept. 20th.
Meanwhile, the three main party leaders are in Eastern and Central Canada today – Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau gets his day started with a morning announcement in Halifax. Erin O’Toole of the Conservatives is spending his day in Quebec, starting with a morning announcement in Jonquière, followed by an evening supporter event in Orford. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is in Ontario, first with a morning announcement in Essex on long-term care, then visiting with supporters in a number of communities before taking part in a Twitch stream event in the evening. Yesterday, a poll conducted by Leger in collaboration with The Canadian Press indicated the Liberals and Tories are tied with the support of 32 per cent of decided voters ahead of the election on Monday. A similar poll conducted two weeks ago had the Conservatives ahead with 34 per cent compared with 30 per cent for the Liberals. The Leger poll suggested New Democrats support was at 20 per cent of decided voters, down from the 24 per cent of respondents from the earlier poll. (The Canadian Press)
Ship Hector Anniversary events in Pictou today
Today (Sept 15th) marks the 248th anniversary of the landing of the Ship Hector in Pictou. There is free admission for the day at the Hector Heritage Quay from 10 am to 4 pm. The Ship Hector Society says anyone visiting will receive a free Hector Passenger list. There will also be volunteers on hand to answer any questions about the Restoration Project and a pipe band concert beginning at 6:00 p.m. in front of the Quay.
