COVID-19 Vaccine Second Dose Rescheduling Announced
The province says Nova Scotians who received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine between March 11 and 21 and are scheduled to receive their second dose between June 24 and July 3 can now reschedule their appointments for earlier dates. A notice to reschedule will be sent by email to the account provided at the time of booking. Anyone who did not provide an email must call the toll-free line at 1-833-797-7772 to reschedule or to request an email address be added. When rescheduling the second dose, people will select a new date and time at any clinic across the province that has an available appointment. Notices will continue to be sent over the following weeks as vaccine supply is received. First dose COVID-19 vaccination appointments must be made online at https://www.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.
Province reports two COVID-19 related deaths and first case of vaccine-related blood clotting
On Wednesday, Nova Scotia reported two deaths related to COVID-19. Two men, both in their 60s, have died in Central Zone. Nova Scotia also reported 17 new cases of COVID-19 and 72 recoveries. There are 12 new cases in Central Zone. Eight of the cases are close contacts of previously reported cases, two are related to travel and two are under investigation. Three cases are in Eastern Zone and are close contacts of previously reported cases. One case is in Northern Zone and is related to travel. One case is in Western Zone and is currently under investigation. Nova Scotia has 311 active cases of COVID-19. There are 38 people in hospital, including 15 in ICU.
Health officials have confirmed the province’s first case of a rare blood-clotting condition associated with the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. They say a man in his 40s received his first dose of the vaccine in early May, reported symptoms two weeks later and is now recovering after receiving treatment.
Premier Iain Rankin says the province is developing a proof-of-vaccine strategy that would allow rotational workers to get into Nova Scotia without the requirement to quarantine. Rankin says it will begin within a month, beginning with rotational workers. It would provide them with proof that they’ve received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
Nova Scotia launches online course on recognizing and preventing sexual exploitation
The Nova Scotia government is releasing a free, online training course on identifying and responding to sexual exploitation of children and youth. This eight-part course published Wednesday includes information on ways to offer support without judgment. Community Services Minister Kelly Regan issued a statement saying anyone can be subjected to sexual violence, although she says young people and those from marginalized communities are more likely to be targeted. Regan says being aware of child sexual exploitation and knowing what to look for are key to ending the violence and supporting survivors. The minister says the training is for service providers, parents, teachers, first responders, counsellors and anyone who is acting as a support person or is concerned about sexual violence. Other topics in the online course include responding to a disclosure, sexual consent and Indigenous and African Nova Scotian perspectives. (The Canadian Press)
Slight drop in N.B. gas prices
A slight drop in gas in New Brunswick this morning. Regular self-serve gas dropped nine-tenths of a cent per litre. Diesel is up 1.8 cents per litre. Nova Scotia sets its fuel prices at midnight, and Paul Allen, executive director of the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, said Tuesday that motorists can expect to see a small increase in the price at the pump tomorrow. The Board approved a price increase to make up for a drop in sales during the COVID-19 pandemic. The temporary markup comes on top of a permanent increase in the retail margin on gas prices approved earlier this year, as well as federal subsidies some gas stations have received due to a revenue shortfall.
With the summer weather finally here, the RCMP and SPCA are asking you to think twice before leaving your pets in your vehicle for any amount of time. In the time it takes to run a quick errand, the interior of vehicles can heat up fast – making it intolerable for pets.
According to the SPCA, signs that an animal could be in distress include:
• Exaggerated panting
• Rapid or erratic pulse
• Anxious or staring expression
• Weakness and muscle tremors
• Lack of coordination
• Red or blue tongue and lips
• Convulsions or vomiting
• Collapse or coma
Remember, if the animal is alert, standing upright and barking, they are likely not in distress. Here are things to do if you come across an animal in a vehicle that appears to be in distress:
• Look for the owner of the car. Go to nearby stores and have the owner paged.
• If you cannot locate the owner, call your local police and stay at the vehicle until police arrive. Do not contact police unless the animal is obviously distressed.
• If you are unsure if an animal is in distress, call the Nova Scotia SPCA at 1-888-703-7722
• Follow up by filing a report with the Nova Scotia SPCA either online or by phone and ensure that you obtain a license plate of the vehicle.
2021 Doers and Dreamers Guide features cover image taken by local photographer
The 2021 Doers and Dreamers Guide, which is now available, features a striking cover image of a young girl watching the Bluenose II, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the launching of the Bluenose. The photograph was taken by Angie Larkin-Turner of Westville. “It’s a beautiful guide that celebrates who we are and the many amazing experiences that are available in Nova Scotia,” said Labi Kousoulis, Minister of Inclusive Economic Growth and Minister responsible for Tourism Nova Scotia. “I encourage Nova Scotians to read through the guide to get ideas and inspiration for the many things we can do – and businesses we can support – right here in our own backyard.” This year the guide is available in a digital-only format for both English and French editions. The digital format allows operators and organizations to update their listings throughout the year to reflect changes in hours of operation or offerings, while minimizing waste. The new format allows for direct links to videos, stories and business websites, creating an interactive and simple user experience for research and booking. The 2021 Doers and Dreamers Guide can be downloaded to a mobile device or desktop computer. The option to print specific pages or sections is also available. The guide is available at: https://www.novascotia.com/travelguide
Pictou County Rainbow Community offering new buddy program for seniors
The Pictou County Rainbow Community will be offering a new buddy program for seniors in the Rainbow Community. This program pairs seniors and volunteers for weekly phone check-ins and a monthly group event. The monthly events will include a virtual component when necessary to follow COVID-19 health guidelines. The activities offered include information sessions about navigating government services, Long Term Care options, First Aid training, Mental Health First Aid, and other suggested social activities to foster inclusion and social cohesion amongst seniors.
Calgary to host women’s world hockey championship after Nova Scotia event cancelled
The women’s world hockey championship will take place this summer in Calgary after the event was cancelled in Nova Scotia earlier this year. Hockey Canada announced Wednesday that the 10-country tournament will take place Aug. 20-31 at WinSport Arena at Canada Olympic Park. Teams are expected to arrive in Calgary on Aug. 10 and will immediately enter quarantine before resuming practices and possible pre-tournament games. The first games will take place Aug. 20. Hockey Canada says a full tournament schedule will be announced later. The women’s championship was to take place in Halifax and Truro in May before premier Iain Rankin pulled the plug on the tournament over rising COVID-19 cases in the province. It was the second straight year the tournament was cancelled in Nova Scotia. Last year’s tournament was called off because of COVID-19. (The Canadian Press)
