33 new COVID-19 cases reported in province Thursday
On Thursday, Nova Scotia reported 33 new cases of COVID-19 and 182 recoveries. There are 18 cases in Eastern Zone, 14 in Central Zone and one in Northern Zone. Nova Scotia has 638 active cases of COVID-19. There are 63 people in hospital, including 21 in ICU.
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.
Prince Edward Island is aiming to re-open to non-essential travel from Atlantic Canada at the end of next month — and to the rest of Canada by early August. Fully or partially vaccinated Atlantic Canadians with proof of their status will be able to visit P-E-I without self-isolating as of June 27th. Quarantine requirements will also be dropped for fully vaccinated Canadians from outside Atlantic Canada as of August 8th if they’ve been pre-approved for travel. N.S. Premier Iain Rankin said earlier this week more details about a “gradual” reopening plan for the province would be provided during Friday’s COVID briefing, that’s set to begin at 3 p.m. this afternoon.
Man and woman from Halifax charged for leaving municipality after shoplifting report in New Glasgow
A shoplifting call Thursday has led to charges for violating public health measures. On Thursday afternoon, New Glasgow Regional Police responded to the shoplifting call at a grocery store in New Glasgow. A 50-year-old-man and 50-year-old-woman were apprehended and the police investigation found that they’re both from the Halifax County area. Both were charged under the Emergency Management Act for failing to restrict travel to within their own municipality, which carries a fine of nearly $700.
Aberdeen hospital and long term care homes among local facilities to receive federal funding for upgrades
Photo credit: NS Health
The Federal government has announced over $11.4-million towards enhancing safety and improving conditions in 46 local Long-Term Care and Public Health facilities in Nova Scotia. The Province is contributing more than $2.8 Million towards the projects. Locally, the investment includes $156,000 towards Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow; $189,000 towards Maritime Odd Fellows Hall in Pictou; and $195,000 to Valley View Villa in Stellarton.
New proposal from Northern Pulp submitted to Nova Scotia Environment Department
Photo credit: Stingray Radio
Northern Pulp has submitted a new proposal to the provincial environment department, but there’s little in the way of details at this point. Details on the transformation plan to reopen the mill are expected in the coming weeks. The mill was closed down early last year as the company could not get approval for a new effluent treatment facility. (With files from CBC)
Drop in N.S. Fuel Prices
There was a drop in fuel prices in Nova Scotia overnight. Regular self-serve gas now sits at 126.7 cents per litre in the local area, down three cents. The price of diesel dropped 1.1 cents per litre to 116.9 cents per litre.
Pictou West MLA will be on the ballot for PCs in next provincial election
Photo: Pictou West MLA Karla MacFarlane (contributed)
Pictou West MLA Karla MacFarlane will be on the ballot for the PCs in the next provincial election. First elected in 2013, MacFarlane has held several provincial critic roles including Communities, Culture, and Heritage, Environment, and Municipal Affairs. She is the current critic for Health and Wellness. For 8 months in 2018, MacFarlane served as Interim Leader of the PC Party.
