COVID-19 numbers rise in N.S. -briefing with premier, chief medical officer of health, scheduled for 12pm
Nova Scotia reported a surge of 50 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday, bringing the active caseload to 213. There are 20 cases each in the western and northern zones, eight cases in the central zone and two in the eastern zone. Public Health is investigating the new cases to understand the increased numbers. Nine people are in hospital with COVID-19, including one in intensive care. Premier Tim Houston and Dr. Robert Strang, the chief medical officer of health, will hold a COVID-19 briefing today (Friday) at noon. The update will be livestreamed on https://novascotia.ca/stayinformed/webcast
Nova Scotia Health says Outreach Vaccine Clinics are continuing to tour the Northern Zone next week to help support vaccine booking availability for Nova Scotians. Clinics will be available for residents and nearby community members at River John Old School Community Centre (2 School Street, River John) Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Westville Town Hall Gym (2042 Queen Street, Westville) Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. **Drop-in only. Transportation to and from vaccine appointments can be organized through Rural Rides for $5 return. Visit https://ruralrides.ca/ to find the nearest provider. Transportation must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
A drop at the pumps in N.S.
Fuel prices are down in Nova Scotia today. Regular self-serve gas dropped 2.2 cents per litre overnight to 142.7 cents per litre in the local area. Diesel is down two cents per litre to 142.2 cents per litre.
Colchester RCMP charge man following two armed robberies at Truro gas stations
Colchester County District RCMP have charged a 34-year-old man in regards to two armed robberies. Shortly before 7:30pm on Tuesday, a man went into a gas station on Robie St. in Lower Truro and threatened the employee, demanded money and fled on foot with cash. Police say that just 12 hours later, at about 8 a.m. Wednesday, the same man entered a gas station on Willow St. in Truro and demanded money threatening the employee with a weapon before running off with cash. Truro Police responded immediately, located the man and made the arrest. 34-year old James Joseph Robert Pumphrey of Highland Village has been charged with two counts of robbery, possession of property obtained by crime and breach of probation.
Province commits to creating Children and Youth Commission in Nova Scotia
The Nova Scotia government says it’s creating a new commission to protect the interests and rights of children and youth in the province. Premier Tim Houston says that was one of the recommendations of the restorative inquiry into abuse at the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children. The province says the Children and Youth Commission to be established over the coming months will take a restorative approach, working with children and youth, families and the entire care system. Community Services Minister Karla MacFarlane says it will offer a more human-centred approach than the Child and Youth Advocate system that exists in other places and will be unique to Nova Scotia.
Desmond inquiry: health professionals failed to share information prior to killings
The Nova Scotia inquiry into the killing of three family members by an ex-soldier who then shot himself has been told mental health professionals failed to pass on critical information about his mental decline. Domestic violence expert Dr. Peter Jaffe says Lionel Desmond had contact with 40 mental-health professionals from the time he was diagnosed with PTSD in 2011 until shortly before his death in 2017. But he says their lack of collaboration was an “overwhelming theme” in the tragic case. Jaffe also says most focused on Desmond’s potential for suicide and overlooked or ignored multiple warning signs indicating he was at a high risk of killing his wife and family. (The Canadian Press)
N.S. government won’t appeal judgment allowing Northern Pulp to prepare lawsuit
Photo: Stingray news
The Nova Scotia government will not appeal the BC Supreme Court decision allowing clearing Northern Pulp to spend from a creditor protection fund in preparing a lawsuit against the province. Premier Tim Houston says his government’s not happy with the outcome, but will not be appealing.
Municipality of Pictou County’s Rural Internet Project entering construction phase
The Municipality of Pictou County’s Rural Internet Project is entering the construction phase. After many delays behind the scenes, the Municipality says its pledge to deliver high-speed internet to rural homes in Pictou County is moving forward. It’s about to deploy crews to build telecommunication towers for its FirstHome Wireless Service and Utility fibre service. Construction of the towers is expected to begin in November and the project has a completion deadline of March 2022.
Temperatures rising, fall season starting later in the year in Nova Scotia: study
A study by two St. Francis Xavier University researchers says the province has been getting steadily warmer in the past 40 years, particularly the last two decades. The data shows average temperatures in the province rose notably since 1998 when compared to the normals between 1961 and 1990. In places like Halifax, Greenwood and Cheticamp, the average rise was more than 1 degree Celsius. The study says increases were especially clear in the fall, when the data showed first frosts are occurring later, and it also noted that 31 plant species were blooming by the end of April in the province. (The Canadian Press)
Sports note:
The Weeks Junior A Crushers held on for a 3-2 win over the Truro Bearcats last night at the Pictou County Wellness Centre.
