N.S. reports 1 death, 59 new cases of COVID-19 over weekend
The province reported its 101st death related to COVID-19 – a man in his 70s died from the disease in the eastern region of the province. Officials also reported 59 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend. With 61 recoveries, there are now 166 known active cases. There are 10 people in hospital with COVID-19, with none reported in intensive care. Of the new cases, 44 are in the central health zone, six are in northern zone, five are in eastern zone and four are in western zone. As of Monday, 78.5 per cent of Nova Scotians have been fully vaccinated.
Nova Scotia Health has issued a COVID EXPOSURE NOTIFICATION for a couple of sites. This type of notification means the public has had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. One of the sites included in the notification is: Keating Centre Arena (100 Convocation Boulevard, Antigonish) on October 30 between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. It is anticipated that anyone exposed to the virus at this location on the named date may develop symptoms up to, and including, November 13. If you were in this location on the named date and times, you are required to follow the instructions in this table for a COVID-19 Exposure Notification based on your vaccination status. All potential exposure notifications are listed here: http://www.nshealth.ca/covid-exposures
Desmond inquiry: psychological autopsy focus of public inquiry into 2017 killings
A psychological autopsy on the former soldier who killed three family members and himself in Nova Scotia in 2017 was the focus today of the public inquiry into the tragedy. The psychiatrist who conducted the autopsy on Lionel Desmond says a family member told him Desmond had enjoyed a stable, happy childhood. But Dr. Scott Theriault says that stood in contrast to the records of medical professionals, who said Desmond complained about experiencing mental and physical abuse, as well as systemic racism. Theriault says trauma is considered a risk factor for developing P-T-S-D, which Desmond was diagnosed with before he was medically discharged from the military in 2015. (With files and photo from the Canadian Press)
Province hiring recruiters to help fill staffing shortages in long-term care
Photo: Continuing Care Assistants Kamal Kaur, left, and Sherlyn Monteroso, right, help resident Hilary Wellard at Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home in Halifax (Communications Nova Scotia)
Nova Scotia’s Department of Seniors and Long-term Care is providing 1.7 million dollars for training and recruiting programs and to hire six recruiters. More than 600-thousand dollars of the funding will be used to hire recruiters that will provide human resources support to long-term care facilities and home-care agencies throughout the province. The money will also be used to create a skills development fund to help staff such as continuing care assistants.
2021 New Glasgow Fire and Rescue Santa Claus Parade postponed – Westille Parade of Lights going ahead
The New Glasgow Fire and Rescue Santa Claus Parade has been officially postponed until next year. In a post on Facebook, the department said that in September they made a decision to delay the planning due to increasing COVID numbers and possible tightening of restrictions and now they’re too far behind to plan a parade. However, the department reminded residents that the Westville Fire Department’s Parade of Lights is a go for December 4th at 7pm. More details on this event can be found by searching Westville Parade of Lights on Facebook.
MOPC recognizes Abercrombie Fire Department
Warden Parker presents Abercrombie Fire Chief Sandy MacPherson and Abercrombie Auxiliary President Anna Svenson with a plaque in recognition of its hard work and dedication in getting a roundabout at the Abercrombie-Trenton Connector Intersection. (MOPC Facebook photo)
The Abercrombie fire department was presented with a plaque last night by County council in recognition of its hard work and dedication in getting a roundabout at the Abercrombie-Trenton Connector Intersection. MOPC Warden Robert Parker commended the fire department for continuing to lobby for the roundabout which is expected to improve traffic safety in the area. “Fire departments save lives but usually they do this when they are at the scene,” said Warden Parker. “In this case, we won’t know exactly how many lives will be saved but we know lives will be saved.” District 8 Coun. Larry Turner also thanked the fire department on behalf of local residents. He said there have been nine fatalities at that intersection and first responders never knew what to expect every time a call came in. Now, as the roundabout nears completion, he said the stress on first responders in the area should be reduced because of it. Abercrombie Fire Chief Sandy MacPherson thanked the MOPC for its support of the fire department and its mission to see the roundabout built.
Legion hoping sense of normalcy returns to this year’s poppy campaign
The Royal Canadian Legion is hoping its annual poppy campaign regains a sense of normalcy this year as fewer pandemic restrictions are in place across the country. In the lead-up to Remembrance Day, the organization says it will have more than 34,000 traditional poppy boxes at locations across Canada, where people can donate cash and receive a poppy pin — roughly 9,000 more boxes than last year. Canadians can also make a donation towards the campaign at mypoppy.ca, where they can create a digital poppy, add a customized commemoration and share it on social media. (The Canadian Press)
MOU Signed Between MPS & NOBL Linking Experienced Mentors To New Business Owners
Mentoring Plus Strategy Photo (submitted)
The Mentoring Plus Strategy marked Small Business Week by signing a memorandum of Understanding with Northern Opportunities for Business Limited. With this agreement, the Mentoring Plus Strategy will provide mentors to help business owners who work with Northern Opportunities for Business Limited to build their business and overcome challenges. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed at a Small Business Week social held in New Glasgow.
