Hospitalization for COVID-19 holding steady in Nova Scotia: health officials
The number of people recovering from COVID-19 in Nova Scotia hospitals held steady on the weekend. As was the case on Saturday, there were a total of 287 people in hospital on Sunday, all of whom were admitted for various reasons — a figure that was up slightly from Thursday and Friday. Health officials confirmed that 85 people were admitted due to COVID-19 and are receiving specialized care, including 11 in intensive care. Another 83 people were admitted for other medical reasons, or were admitted for COVID-19 but no longer require specialized care — and another 119 people contracted COVID-19 after being admitted to hospital. (The Canadian Press)
Nova Scotia Health’s COVID-19 vaccine outreach clinics will be offering drop-in vaccines across the province this week, with a focus on providing first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Booster doses will be available at some of the drop-in vaccine clinics. The locations include: River John Fire Hall (Pfizer – anyone age 5+) today (Jan 24th) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tatamagouche Fire Hall (Pfizer – anyone age 5+) Tuesday, Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Scotsburn Fire Hall (Pfizer – anyone age 5+) Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pugwash Fire Hall (Pfizer – anyone age 5+) Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Wentworth Learning Centre (Pfizer – anyone age 5+) Thursday, Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Nova Scotians who are 30 and older are now able to schedule an appointment for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Anyone who is 30 and older and currently has a Moderna appointment is encouraged to keep their appointment so they can receive their vaccine sooner and to reduce vaccine wastage. Anyone eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine can schedule an appointment online at https://novascotia.ca/vaccination or by calling the toll-free line: 1-833-797-7772.
Nova Scotia Public Health now recommends Nova Scotians using rapid tests swab both their throat and nose when collecting their sample. This is based on research led by Nova Scotia Health’s microbiology team. Nova Scotia researchers have determined that collecting samples from both the throat and nose provides a more accurate rapid test result than a nose swab alone, which is the instruction provided by the manufacturer.
Convoy of trucks gather at N.B./N.S. border on Sunday
Photo credit: SaltWire Network
There were several protests against COVID-19 restrictions in the Maritimes yesterday, including a significant convoy at the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia border. The event was organized by truckers as a way to show their frustration with vaccine mandates brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The first convoy arrived at the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia border around noon. A second convoy arrived at the border around 4 p.m. RCMP were on scene to monitor the situation and keep the peace.
Canadian Trucking Alliance condemns protests by unvaccinated truckers
Truckers and supporters depart on a cross-country convoy destined for Ottawa to protest a federal vaccine mandate for truckers, in Delta, B.C., on Sunday, January 23, 2022. (THE CANADIAN PRESS / Darryl Dyck)
A federation representing truckers across Canada has denounced a series of planned protests against the federal government’s cross-border travel vaccine mandate, arguing such demonstrations aren’t a safe or effective way of resisting the policy. The Canadian Trucking Alliance spoke out against the pending protests in a statement issued 24 hours before a convoy of unvaccinated truckers was set to leave British Columbia en route to Ottawa. They will be joined by fleets of other drivers from across Canada in the Nation’s capital on Jan. 29, where they plan to hold a rally decrying policies that require drivers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to cross the Canada-U.S. border. “The Canadian Trucking Alliance does not support and strongly disapproves of any protests on public roadways, highways, and bridges,” the statement read. “CTA believes such actions – especially those that interfere with public safety – are not how disagreements with government policies should be expressed.” The “vast majority” of Canadian trucking industry members are vaccinated, the alliance said, noting the immunization rate among truck drivers is on par with that seen among the general public. Alliance President Stephen Laskowski called for still greater compliance in light of the fact that both Canada and the United States have cross-border vaccination rules in place. Those opposed to the measure, however, were unmoved. “We’re not backing down and we are going to Ottawa,” Tamara Lich, a protest organizer from Medicine Hat, Alta., said in a Facebook Live video posted on Sunday. Organizers describe the vaccine mandate as an example of political overreach resulting in economic harm, arguing the policy hurts small businesses and denies some workers the means to survive. (The Canadian Press)
Police ask for public’s help identifying suspects in relation to thefts from multiple vehicles in New Glasgow and Trenton
NGRP photos (submitted)
New Glasgow Regional Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying two suspects involved in thefts from vehicles in New Glasgow and Trenton. On Friday, police received nine reports of thefts from vehicles in the areas of Chestnut Street, Meadowlark Drive, Lovat Crescent, Parkview Drive in Westside New Glasgow and Park Street in Trenton. The thefts occurred early Friday morning and saw personal identification papers and valuables stolen. One suspect is described as a white male, wearing a red sweater and red sweatpants with a large ECKO logo on the front of the sweater as well as on the leg of the sweatpants. He was also wearing a black mask and black sneakers with a white sole. The second suspect is described as a white male wearing a black sweater, black pants, a black mask and a black hat. Also wearing white sneakers with black laces. The suspects were driving a red Hyundai four door passenger car. Anyone who has information or may have witnessed this theft from vehicles is asked to call 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.
NS Announces Funding For More Electric Vehicle Chargers
The Province is investing $500,000 to help install more electric vehicle charging stations in Nova Scotia. The provincial investment is in addition to the $1.2 million recently announced through the federal Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program. Clean Foundation will administer the funding and will seek proposals from organizations to install up to 250 Level 2 electric vehicle chargers.
Residential property assessments are up significantly across Nova Scotia — and that means higher property taxes are on the way. Assessments across the province have increased by 10.8 per cent overall. Assessment appeals must be filed by February 10th.
