***COVID-19 vaccine appointments are now open to booking provincewide for people aged 12 and older. Nova Scotia currently has two vaccines approved for use. The Pfizer vaccine is available to anyone 12 and older. The Moderna vaccine is only available to people 18 and older. Appointments for COVID-19 vaccines in community clinics and participating pharmacies will be released on a continuous basis as vaccine supply is confirmed. Appointments must be made online at https://www.novascotia.ca/vaccination or by phone at 1-833-797-7772.
Province reports 37 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday, active cases drop to 787
The number of active cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia has fallen below 800 as recoveries continue to outpace new infections. The province reported 37 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, 22 are in the Central Zone, 11 are in the Eastern Zone, and four are in the Northern Zone, with no new cases reported in the Western Zone. Public Health says there is evidence of community spread in the Central Zone, and limited community spread in Sydney. The Northern and Western Zones continue to be closely monitored for community spread. The province says 94 previously reported cases are now considered resolved, with the total number of active cases dropping to 787, the lowest number of active cases reported in the province since May 1.
Public health is strongly encouraging Nova Scotians to seek asymptomatic COVID-19 testing, particularly if they have had several social interactions, even with their own social circle. COVID-19 tests can be booked through the province’s online self-assessment COVID-19 tool, or by calling 811.
The success of Canada’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout is creating issues for the Nova Scotia-based clinical trial of a Canadian-made vaccine. The Canadian Centre for Vaccinology at Dalhousie University is trying to complete a Phase 1 trial for a COVID-19 vaccine developed by Edmonton-based Entos Pharmaceuticals Inc. but says it’s difficult to find volunteers as more people get shots. Researchers are looking for about a dozen people between the ages of 18 and 55 who have not been vaccinated and who haven’t been exposed to the virus. Entos CEO John Lewis says if enough people aren’t recruited, the entire trial will have to be moved to another country where vaccine isn’t as readily available — an outcome that would delay his company’s development plans. Lewis says as things stand, Phase 2 of the trial will be conducted outside of Canada because it needs about 600 participants. He says it’s still hoped there are some younger people in the Halifax area who want to contribute to a “made-in-Canada” solution to providing vaccines around the world. (The Canadian Press)
You can now get cocktails and mixed drinks with your restaurant take-out or delivery order
Photo Credit: The Canadian Press/Justin Tang
The Province is amending Liquor Licensing Regulations in an effort to help the restaurant and bar industry. With the changes, restaurants and bars can now include cocktails and mixed drinks for delivery or take-out with food orders while the state of emergency order is in effect. The changes took effect Wednesday.
Fuel prices drop in New Brunswick
Fuel prices in New Brunswick are down this morning. Regular self-serve gas dropped 3.5 cents and diesel went down 1.9 cents overnight. Nova Scotia sets its fuel prices at midnight tonight.
NSCC announces plans for 2021-22 school year
Nova Scotia Community College has announced its plans for program delivery for the upcoming 2021-22 academic year. NSCC is preparing to return to more in-person learning, supports and services while continuing with some planned online and blended delivery beginning in September. For 2021-22, most programs will be offered in-person, on campus; some programs will be offered in-person, on campus but with a blended Fall 2021 term; some programs will be blended (a combination of in-person and online courses); and some programs will be offered fully online.
Canada wants to put a rover on the moon in the next 5 years
Earth is shown from the moon during the Apollo 11 mission. NASA/Newsmakers
Canada plans to land a rover on the moon in the next five years to gather imagery and measurements on its cratered surface. The Canadian Space Agency says the project will also showcase technologies from Canadian companies in a polar region of the earth’s only natural satellite. Conducted in partnership with NASA, the mission hopes to have the rover make it through an entire lunar night, which lasts about two weeks and presents major technological challenges due to the extreme cold and dark. Space agency president Lisa Campbell says it will put out a request for proposals on design and development from two companies in the coming months. Meanwhile in Halifax on Wednesday, the Nova Scotia company planning to build Canada’s first commercial spaceport announced some of the firms it has chosen to design and construct its proposed launch pad. Stantec, a global consulting company with offices in Nova Scotia, will lead the spaceport design team, and Antigonish-based Nova Construction will be involved with building roads and with other civil construction work at the launch site, located near Canso, in northeastern Nova Scotia. St. Francis Xavier has been chosen to implement an air-monitoring program for the spaceport with the help of the university’s FluxLab, led by Dr. David Risk. Stephen Matier, president and CEO of Maritime Launch Services, said the company plans to keep as much of the building process as possible within Nova Scotia and Canada. It is aiming to have the project ready by the end of 2023. (The Canadian Press)
