A LITTLE BUMP AT THE PUMPS
There’s a slight increase at the pumps today, with regular self-serve at $1.323 per litre, up by a little over a penny overnight. Diesel remains unchanged at a minimum of $1.202 per litre.
N.S. VACCINATION PROGRAM EXPANDS
Photo: Associated Press
Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 vaccination program has expanded for those eligible to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine to include people 60 to 62 years of age. The province says booking opened on Tuesday for those aged 63 and 64 to get the shot at one of 25 pharmacies or doctors offices across the province. AstraZeneca clinics in the Halifax Region are fully booked, but about 4,900 appointments are available in remaining clinics across the province. Starting yesterday (March 18) people aged 60 to 62 were eligible to book appointments in clinics that are not full. COVID-19 vaccination appointments must be made online at novascotia.ca/vaccination or by phone at 1-833-797-7772. Appointments cannot be booked directly through a community clinic, pharmacy or physician. Walk-ins will be turned away.
Atlantic Canada’s four premiers have announced that beginning next month, residents of the region will again be able to travel between provinces without restrictions. In a statement Thursday, the premiers of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador said the Atlantic travel bubble will be restored by April 19. The reopening is conditional on COVID-19 case numbers remaining low in the region, outbreaks being contained and on the advice of provincial medical officers. The statement says Newfoundland and Labrador’s participation will depend on continued progress in easing its restrictions following an outbreak last month in the St. John’s region. The return of the bubble means residents of the Atlantic provinces will be able to travel within the region without having to self-isolate for 14 days. Travel between the four provinces has been restricted since the end of November, following a number of COVID-19 outbreaks. (Canadian Press)
Nova Scotia Health officials reported three new cases yesterday in the province’s Central zone and one new death related to COVID-19. Public health says the woman who died was in her 80s and was in the province’s Central zone. This is the first death Nova Scotia has reported since Aug. 23. Nova Scotia now has 17 active cases of COVID-19.
A local COVID-19 Rapid Testing Site will be set up today from 4pm until 7:30pm**NOTE NEW TIME*** and tomorrow 9:30am-5:00pm at Glasgow Square (March 19-20). Rapid testing is offered for people who: are over 16, do not have symptoms, have not travelled, have not visited a potential exposure location, and have not been in contact with someone who has tested positive.
NEW GLASGOW POLICE ASK FOR HELP TO IDENTIFY PERSON OF INTEREST
New Glasgow Regional Police are looking to identify a person of interest who was in the Macdonald Street and MacGregor Street areas Monday evening. Around 6:45 p.m., on March 15th, 2021 police responded to a complaint that a man had spoken to a 9-year-old there, the child went straight home, and police were called. Officers immediately patrolled the area in attempting to locate the man, but were not able to find him. He’s described having a red mustache, wearing a red hoodie, black jacket, and blue jeans. Police say the preliminary investigation has revealed that no criminal act has taken place, but they want to identify the person of interest. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information 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.
PROVINCE ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR FOSTER FAMILIES
The Rankin government has announced that full-time foster families will receive a one-time payment of $5,000 under the Because You Care Foster Family initiative. The initiative is in recognition of the fact that foster families incur expenses that aren’t always covered. Community Services Minister Kelly Regan says Foster Parents are among the most dedicated volunteers in the province. She’s promising more details on the revamped foster care system in the weeks to come.
FOOD SECURITY PROGRAM BEING LAUNCHED IN PICTOU COUNTY
The United Way is launching a new 3-Year Food Security Program for Pictou County. This new funding opportunity is open to qualified groups and organizations who are focused on improving food security for vulnerable and marginalized persons in the community. Programs and services such as school meal programs, community kitchens, community gardens and food distribution initiatives are eligible. Deadline to apply is Friday, April 16, 2021 at 4:30 p.m, details here: pictoucountyunitedway.ca
ONLINE KITCHEN PARTY GETS READY TO MARK ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY THIS WEEKEND
The first anniversary of the Ultimate Online Nova Scotia Kitchen Party is coming up this weekend with a livestream concert in support of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. The extremely popular Facebook Group, created by Heather Cameron Thomson of Pictou County, has connected music lovers around the world throughout the pandemic. Since it’s started, the online community has grown to more than 250,000 members. The fundraising concert will be streamed tomorrow starting at 7 p.m. from the deCoste Centre in Pictou on Facebook and YouTube. It will be free to watch, with donations accepted for the Mental Health Foundation.
