**Nova Scotia has expanded eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines to those ages 30 to 34. Appointments for Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines were available through the province’s vaccine booking website as of this morning. Appointments for the vaccine must be made online or by phone at 1-833-797-7772.
Nova Scotia Health launches VirtualCareNS Pilot
Starting today, Nova Scotia Health is launching a new way for those on the Need a Family Practice Registry in the Northern and Western zones to access primary care. The VirtualCareNS pilot allows people to use their computer or mobile device to connect to primary care providers who are licensed in Nova Scotia. Initially, people in New Glasgow, Truro, Middleton, and Yarmouth will be be contacted to register, in chronological order based on their registration date with the Need a Family Practice Registry. The province says that the pilot program will gradually expand to all communities in the Northern and Western zones. A list of health concerns that can be addressed through this program is available at virtualcareNS.ca. N.S. Health says patients will be provided with options for in-person care if their health concerns can’t be resolved virtually. Primary care providers can also prescribe medications, order tests, and make referrals for specialized care.
Province reports 126 new cases Sunday, 103 recoveries
Nova Scotia reported 126 new cases of COVID-19 and 103 recoveries on Sunday. Of those 126 cases, 106 are in Central Zone, nine in Eastern Zone, nine in Western Zone and two in Northern Zone. In total, there are 1,531 active cases in the province, with 92 people in hospital, including 21 in ICU. Premier Iain Rankin says Sunday’s numbers are a clear reminder that while we are on the right track, we cannot let down our guard. He says it’s crucial that we all continue to follow the public health protocols and get tested regularly, and stay in our own community. There is community spread in Central Zone. The Eastern, Northern and Western Zones continue to be closely monitored for community spread. There are some areas of concern, including the Annapolis Valley from New Minas to Kentville, as well as in Sydney and Bridgewater. Testing has been increased in those areas.
Nova Scotia Health Public Health is advising of potential exposure to COVID-19 at various locations in Eastern, Central and Western Zones and one Air Canada flight. All potential exposure notifications in the province are listed here: http://www.nshealth.ca/covid-exposures
For the second straight Sunday, Nova Scotia RCMP handed out tickets to a church in Berwick and several members of its congregation for gathering in violation of the public health measures. RCMP ticketed seven people at the Weston Christian Fellowship Church, handing them $2,000 tickets. The church was fined $11,000. The previous Sunday, 26 people were ticketed and the church was fined $11,000.
Canada is set to receive a large infusion of COVID-19 vaccines this week. The federal government says it expects around 4.5 million doses to arrive this week thanks to planned deliveries from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. Pfizer and BioNTech had been scheduled to deliver around 2 million doses this week as their vaccines continue to flow into Canada on a regular basis after early hiccups in February and March. But the federal government says the two companies will ship an additional 1.4 million shots, which were originally slated to land next week but are now expected to arrive before the upcoming holiday weekend. Moderna is also expected to deliver 1.1 million doses this week. (The Canadian Press)
Man airlifted to hospital after single-vehicle collision in Colchester County
A single-vehicle accident early Saturday night on Highway 236 in Beaver Brook has resulted in serious injuries. Colchester County District RCMP arrived to find that a vehicle had gone off the road and struck a power pole. The driver, a 37-year-old man, suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to hospital. A passenger in the vehicle, a five-year-old child, suffered minor injuries and was treated and released at the scene.
Pictou moving to enhance waterfront and draw attention to downtown
Photo from: @townofpictou
The Town of Pictou is moving to enhance the waterfront and draw attention to downtown. It’s issuing a Request for Proposal for Planning Services for a Pictou Waterfront Masterplan with support and guidance from Develop Nova Scotia. The Town says the partnership will ensure the waterfront is developed in a strategic and sustainable way, provide places for community to gather, businesses to start-up and grow, and allow the marine industry to thrive.
Town of New Glasgow launches #HereByChoice project
#HereByChoice is a project launched by New Glasgow to hear from newcomers about why they chose to live in New Glasgow and what they like the most about living here. The first interviews conducted as part of the project will be published over the next weeks on social media. Interviews have been conducted with New Glasgow citizens from around the world — from India to Zimbabwe, and from Vancouver to Truro.
Pictou County Transit Bus begins running today
Pictou County Transit Bus will begin running today at 7am, leaving the Aberdeen Business Centre. The route is a one hour loop between Stellarton and New Glasgow, Monday to Saturday, 7:00am – 9:00pm. Riders can ride the transit for FREE until June 1. Regular fare will be $3 per ride, $7.50 for a day pass (on and off as many times as you want for the full day), monthly passes available as well for discounted pricing. Visit www.pctransit.ca for route map.
