Nova Scotia reports 1 COVID-19 death Tuesday, 95 in designated hospital units
On Tuesday, another COVID-19 related death was reported in Nova Scotia — a man in his 80s in Central Zone. The province also reported 13 new hospital admissions and 4 discharges. There are 95 people in hospital who were admitted due to COVID-19, and that includes 13 people in ICU. An additional 274 new lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported yesterday. There are an estimated 3,630 active cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia’s recreational facilities struggle through most challenging COVID-19 wave
(Getty images)
A Nova Scotia legislative committee has been told recreational facilities will likely need more short-term government support once the latest wave of COVID-19 lessens. Representatives of the Recreation Facility Association of Nova Scotia say the Omicron wave has been the most challenging so far for recreational facilities. Executive Director Jennie Greencorn says they have had to lay off staff and have had trouble fundraising throughout the pandemic.
Nova Scotia Power says controversial proposed solar fee delayed until 2023
Nova Scotia Power is delaying the start of a proposed new charge for customers who generate electricity and sell it back to the grid by one year. The delay comes after concerns were raised about the impact the charge would have on the solar industry. Nova Scotia Power CEO Peter Gregg says they regret there weren’t more conversations with the solar industry, and Nova Scotia Power is committed to fixing it and getting it right. The delay means the proposed charge would now come into effect February 1, 2023.
Faculty strike at Acadia University in Nova Scotia forces cancellation of classes
Classes have been cancelled at Acadia University in Nova Scotia because of a labour dispute. The 350 members of the university’s faculty association went on strike Tuesday morning in Wolfville to back their demands for higher wages and a more diverse workforce. The administration issued a statement saying the university will remain open to provide what it calls core services and resources, but all classes and labs have been cancelled until further notice. Dale Keefe, a university vice-president, says contract negotiations started last July, and a conciliator called for a two-week cooling-off period on January 14th after the two sides reached an impasse. (The Canadian Press)
N.S. Natural Resources monitoring wildlife birds after avian flu detected
Photo credit: Lindsey Bauman/the Hutchinson News via Associated Press
A case of avian influenza has been detected in Nova Scotia. The province says the Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed a Canada goose in the Grand Desert area of the Halifax region had tested positive late last week. Avian influenza is a viral infection that can spread quickly among birds. The province says it is working with the federal government to monitor the situation.
Feedback for Pictou’s Draft Waterfront Plan extended
Following Pictou’s presentation on the Draft Waterfront Plan last week, the community now has some extra time to share feedback on draft recommendations to shape the final plan expected this spring. The town says the opportunity to provide feedback has been extended until February 11th. Find out more at townofpictou.ca
Shubenacadie Sam will make Groundhog Day prediction virtually again this year**UPDATED**
Photo: @ShubenacadieSam (Twitter)
**UPDATE**Shubenacadie Sam made her annual Groundhog Day prediction this morning – six more weeks of winter!
Nova Scotians are invited to celebrate Groundhog Day virtually by watching Shubenacadie Sam’s annual prediction on social media. Sam will emerge from her burrow at Shubenacadie Wildlife Park this morning at 8 a.m, to make her annual spring weather prediction. Sam’s forecast will be streamed on the wildlife park’s Facebook page. Folklore says winter will last for six more weeks if the groundhog sees its shadow, while no shadow is a sign of an early spring.
