12 new COVID-19 cases reported in N.S. Tuesday – Health Authority says there’s a small outbreak at a hospital in Kentville
Nova Scotia is reporting 12 new cases of COVID-19 and 33 recoveries today. There’s eight new cases in the central zone and four in the western zone. A small outbreak has been reported by the Health Authority at Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville. Three patients in a non-COVID unit have tested positive for COVID-19. Two of the three cases are asymptomatic, and one person is in intensive care. As of today, Nova Scotia has 187 active cases of COVID-19. Of those, 14 people are in hospital, including four in ICU.
Boy trapped and killed by falling log in Cumberland County: RCMP
Police in northern Nova Scotia are confirming the death of a seven-year-old boy who was pinned under a log while he was out for a walk with a family member in Cumberland County. RCMP Cpl. Chris Marshall says the accident happened as the pair were walking on a logging road near Southampton on Monday around 3:30 p.m. Marshall says the boy was playing near a log pile on a road used by the Athol Forestry Co-operative when he became trapped. Volunteer firefighters removed the boy from under the log and he was placed in an air ambulance, but he died a short time after it arrived. (The Canadian Press)
Nova Scotia adds 72 new COVID-19 cases since Friday, briefing planned for this morning
Photo credit: Communications Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia reported 72 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, a figure that includes all new cases identified since the last update on Friday. Health officials say 31 cases were reported on Saturday, 19 on Sunday and 22 cases were identified yesterday. In total, 58 cases were identified in the central zone, eight in the province’s northern zone, five in the western zone and one in the eastern zone. There are now 208 active cases with 15 people in hospital because of the infection, including three in intensive care. Premier Tim Houston and Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang will hold a news briefing about COVID-19 on this morning beginning at 11 a.m. The update will be livestreamed on https://novascotia.ca/stayinformed/webcast
Pfizer asks Health Canada to approve COVID-19 vaccine for kids 5 to 11 years old
(Paul Zinken/dpa/The Associated Press)
A COVID-19 vaccine for children could soon be coming. Pfizer-BioNTech has asked Health Canada to approve the first vaccine for the five- to 11 age group. It’s a formula developed in partnership with Germany’s BioNTech. The government agency says it will prioritize the review of the submission, while maintaining high scientific standards for safety, efficacy and quality. This vaccine has also been tested in children as young as six months old. Information on those trials is expected in several months. (With files from the Canadian Press)
Applications Open for Heating Assistance Rebate Program
The province says help with home heating costs is available for Nova Scotians living on low incomes. Applications for the Heating Assistance Rebate Program opened Monday for the 2021-22 heating season. The annual program provides a rebate of up to $200 to low-income Nova Scotians who pay for their own heat. The income threshold to qualify for the program is $29,000 for single-income households and $44,000 for family-income households. The program runs through March 31, 2022. Applications are available at www.novascotia.ca/heatinghelp and through Access Nova Scotia, Community Services and MLA offices.
Citizen’s complaint filed over Halifax police’s use of force during protest
A citizen’s complaint has been filed about Halifax police tactics as they clashed with protesters during the teardown of a shelter for the homeless. The complaint was outlined yesterday by Chief Daniel Kinsella during a municipal meeting considering another potential civilian review of the police actions on August 18th outside the site of the former Halifax public library. The chief says the citizen’s complaint is on “perceived issues” of police performance in areas such as whether officers properly identified themselves or used excessive force when they used chemical irritants and riot gear against the crowd. (The Canadian Press)
Viewing platform opens at Peggy’s Cove with eye to improving safety
Photo credit: Communications Nova Scotia
A new viewing deck has opened at one of Nova Scotia’s most well known tourist sites. The 13-hundred square metre accessible public space at Peggy’s Cove provides the opportunity to view the lighthouse in a safer way. Announced in January, the viewing deck project includes a joint investment of 3.1 million dollars from Ottawa and the province. The project also includes one of two new public washrooms and improvements to trail connections that lead to the lighthouse and nearby parking area.
Mixer for local business owners planned for Small Business Week
The Town of New Glasgow has partnered with IGNITE Labs, Nova Scotia Works and Pictou County Regional Enterprise Network to host a mixer for business owners tomorrow at 4:30 pm at The Commune (84 Provost St, New Glasgow). Due to Covid-19 regulation, pre-registration is required here: https://bit.ly/2X5ejee
NSCC to virtually celebrate Class of 2021
Nova Scotia Community College’s (NSCC) Class of 2021 will be honoured in a special province-wide convocation ceremony on Saturday (Oct 23) at 3 p.m. (AST). The ceremony will be a virtual event shared online. NSCC’s Class of 2021 is made up of close to 4,500 graduates who completed programs between June and October. This year’s Honorary Diploma recipient is Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. The College wanted to honour Dr. Strang because of his resolute support for his fellow Nova Scotia citizens throughout the pandemic. More information, including a list of graduates, valedictorians, and major award winners, can be found at nscc.ca/convocation
