N.S. reports 25 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday
Nova Scotia reported 25 cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, bringing the active caseload to 137. Fourteen of the new cases are in the central zone, eight of which are close contacts of previously announced cases and six of which are under investigation. Health officials say there are signs of community spread in the central zone among those who are unvaccinated and between the ages of 20 and 40 and participating in social activities. Five of the new cases are in the northern zone, including four that are close contacts and one that is under investigation. The province has identified a large cluster of cases in a defined community in the northern zone that is unvaccinated, and has said it expects more cases there. Three of the new cases are in the eastern zone, including one that is a close contact and two that are under investigation. The remaining three new cases are in the western zone, and include one that is a close contact and two under investigation. There are now nine people in hospital with COVID-19 in the province – none of them are in intensive care.
New Brunswick has new COVID-19 rules in effect today. Proof of full vaccination is now required to access certain events, businesses and services. As well, masks are once again required in all public indoor spaces. The province has 509 active reported cases of COVID-19.
Municipality of Pictou County holds special hearing as well as its property and finance committee meetings this week
The Municipality of Pictou County held a special hearing as well as its property and finance committee meetings on September 20. District 8 Councillor Larry Turner asked council to consider applying for funding under the federal government’s Rural Transit Solutions Fund to do a feasibility study on a rural transit system. Warden Robert Parker supported the motion by saying there could be value in a feasibility study to determine if there is a need for such a service in rural Pictou County in the future. Currently, there is a transit system operated by Pictou County Transit between New Glasgow and Stellarton.
Meanwhile, District 1 Councillor. Don Butler asked council to contact Nova Scotia Minister of Health Michelle Thompson requesting that 18 long term care assistants at Valley View Villa have their contracts extended or become permanent members of the workforce. He said earlier this year, the provincial health department recognized the need for additional staff in long term care facilities to meet the needs of the residents during the COVID-19 crisis. He said this program has proven to be very successful and has become an important part of providing care for Valley View residents, however, their contract is set to expire in March 2022. Council agreed to Butler’s request.
