13 NEW CASES OF COVID-19 REPORTED IN N.S. FROM DEC. 25-28
The province is reporting a total of 13 new cases of COVID-19, covering the period between December 25th to the 28th. One new case was recorded yesterday, three cases on Sunday and a combined nine cases on Boxing Day and Christmas Day. Nova Scotia now has 33 known active cases of the virus, but no one is receiving treatment in hospital. Of the nine new cases identified on Dec. 25 and Dec. 26 six were in the central zone, two in the northern zone and one in the eastern zone. All of those cases are either linked to close contacts of previous cases or to travel from outside of Atlantic Canada. The three cases reported on Dec. 27 are in the central zone and either linked to close contacts or travel outside of Atlantic Canada.
Monday’s one case is also in the central zone and is a close contact of a previous case.
Nova Scotia Health Public Health is advising of a potential exposure to COVID-19 on a WestJet flight on Dec. 26. All potential exposure notifications are listed here: nshealth.ca/covid-exposures
Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr. Robert Strang will provide an update today at 3 p.m. This update will be livestreamed on https://novascotia.ca/stayinformed/webcast
NGRP RELEASE PHOTO OF PERSON OF INTEREST IN BREAK AND ENTER AT TRENTON TIM HORTONS
NGRP Photo (submitted)
New Glasgow Regional Police have released a photo of a person of interest as they continue to investigate the break and enter, into the Trenton Tim Hortons. Police say the incident occurred between late Saturday night on December 12 and into the early hours of Sunday, December 13. Anyone with information on the break and enter or the identity of the person of interest is asked to contact 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. As a reminder New Glasgow Regional Police does not accept reports or tips of crime via social media, as social media accounts are not monitored 24/7.
RCMP have resumed the search for the bodies of five fishermen whose scallop boat sank off the southwestern coast of Nova Scotia nearly two weeks ago. On Monday, a helicopter was back in the air, flying over a about 100 kilometres of coastline along the Bay of Fundy from the town of Digby, where the ill-fated boat was heading, to the town of Harbourville. RCMP Sgt. Andrew Joyce said both air and underwater efforts to find the sunken vessel were suspended Dec. 25, in part because of treacherous conditions on the water. “Our goal right now is to get these men back to their loved ones,” Joyce said. The Chief William Saulis fishing vessel was carrying six men when it sank early in the morning on Dec. 15. The body of one of its crewmen, Michael Drake, was recovered later that day. The other five men — Aaron Cogswell, Leonard Gabriel, Daniel Forbes, Eugene Francis and the boat’s captain, Charles Roberts — are still lost. While the air search had resumed Monday, Joyce said police are working on a partnership with the Canadian Coast Guard to secure better sonar capabilities to search for the sunken vessel in the Bay of Fundy’s notoriously ferocious currents. “The waters are very violent and the current is strong and the waves are so high,” Joyce said. “The sonar capabilities on the platform that we could provide is very much insufficient for those conditions. We’re hoping the Canadian Coast Guard will enable us to perform that function.” Joyce said police are searching for the boats in hopes of finding their bodies so they can be taken home to their grieving families. (The Canadian Press)
RCMP say a single-vehicle accident near East Havre Boucher on the weekend has claimed the life of a 23-year-old Antigonish man. Officers were called to the scene of a crash on Hwy. 4 in the early morning hours of Sunday. First responders found a pickup truck had gone off the roadway. The driver was ejected from the vehicle and was located a short distance away. He was pronounced dead at the scene. An adult male passenger was taken to hospital with undetermined injuries.
RCMP are investigating a “suspicious” Christmas Day fire at a Scouts camp on the Eastern Shore. District chief Kevin Dean says Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency crews were called to Camp Nedooae in Middle Musquodoboit Friday night around 9:30 p.m. to respond to the fire. Two buildings were completely destroyed after being engulfed by flames and another sustained “significant” damage. Dean says the case was turned over to the RCMP after its cause was deemed suspicious. No injuries were reported. (The Canadian Press)
N.S. Approves Record Number of Applications for Newcomers in 2020
Nova Scotia approved a record number of applications for newcomers in 2020. The province says over 3500 applications were approved, exceeding its allocation by focusing on skilled newcomers in essential services, such as health care and transportation, and those already living in Canada-setting the stage for population growth and economic recovery for the coming years. These people and their families are expected to arrive over the next few years when travel and border restrictions ease and as the federal government processes their cases. Immigration Minister Lena Diab says “immigration will play an important role in our economy as we recover from this pandemic.” In July 2020, Nova Scotia’s population reached an all-time high of 979,351 people, due in large part to immigration.
Nova Scotia recorded the highest Christmas Day temperatures ever on the long weekend. Three locations set new record highs in the mid and upper teens. Officially those records were set in Yarmouth and Digby counties, Pictou, Colchester and Hants Counties all recorded temperatures of 16 and 17 degrees. Temperatures are expected to be much closer to normal heading into the New Year’s holiday.
**SPORTS
World Juniors:
Last night Germany picked up a big OT win over Slovakia, 4-3 the final score.
Ottawa Senators prospect, Tim Stuetzle is on fire this tournament, he scored back to back goals and then assisted on the game winner.
Today, some big games on tap.
At 3pm the USA takes on the Czech Republic.
At 7pm, Team Canada takes on Switzerland.
At 10:30, Austria takes on Russia.
NFL:
Monday night football saw the Buffalo Bills take down the New England Patriots 38-9.
NHL:
The Montreal Canadiens have signed, Corey Perry to a 1 year $750,000 contract.
The Edmonton Oilers are bringing back defenceman Ethan Bear on a two-year, $4 million deal
Henrik Lundqvist announced on Monday that he will have open heart surgery after deciding earlier this month to sit out the upcoming season because of a heart condition.
