Boosters now open to Nova Scotians 18+; More Pfizer Appointments Added
The province announced this morning that eligibility for COVID-19 boosters has been expanded to include anyone 18 years of age and older. The booster doses are administered at least 168 days after the first two doses. As well, the province says more than 55,000 appointments for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be added at clinics across N.S. today. They’ll only be available to people 12 to 29 years of age at this time. Anyone aged 12 to 17 can only book Pfizer for their first or second dose, while those 18 to 29 can book Pfizer for their first, second, or booster dose. Pfizer appointments will reopen to people 30 and older after the 12-29 age group has the chance to book. Anyone eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine can schedule an appointment online at https://novascotia.ca/vaccination or by calling the toll-free line: 1-833-797-7772.
Nova Scotia reports 68 people in hospital because of COVID-19
On Sunday, the province reported 68 people in hospital who were admitted due to COVID-19 and are receiving specialized care in a COVID-19 designated unit. Ten people are in ICU. Of the 68 people in hospital, 65 were admitted during the Omicron wave. There was also confirmation on Sunday of an additional 696 new lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19. They include 447 cases in Central Zone, 108 cases in Eastern Zone, 105 cases in Western Zone and 36 cases in Northern Zone.
Nova Scotia Health’s COVID-19 vaccine outreach clinics will be offering drop-in vaccines in Central, Eastern, Northern and Western zones to help support vaccine accessibility. Clinic locations include: Lismore Community Centre (Pfizer – anyone age 5+), 4699 Shore Road happening today (Jan 17) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Offering first, second and third (if eligible) doses. As well, St.FX University (Pfizer – anyone age 5+), Keating Centre Conference Rooms, 1100 Convocation Blvd, Antigonish on Wednesday, Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Debert Fire Hall (Pfizer – anyone age 5+) 34 Carter Road, Debert Friday, Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Offering first, second and third (if eligible) doses
Students return to in-class learning today
Photo: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward
About 400 public schools are scheduled to open today for in-person classes across Nova Scotia. The schools have been closed to students since in-person classes ended December 18th and they have been learning remotely since instruction resumed last Monday. Education Minister Becky Druhan has said that plans are in place to respond to whatever operational challenges arise. The president of the Nova Scotia teachers union says he has ‘severe doubts’ whether schools will remain open until the end of the week. Paul Wozney says he believes the government has been “overselling” its plan to help schools remain open as the Omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to sweep through the province. He says the province should exercise caution and continue with remote learning until case numbers are more manageable as has been done in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. (The Canadian Press)
Nova Scotians who test positive asked to complete online COVID-19 Report and Support form
Nova Scotia residents who test positive for COVID-19 will now have to complete a new online form. It’s the COVID-19 Report and Support screening form, and as of the weekend, it’s now a requirement for those booking a PCR test or anyone reporting a positive rapid test. Officials say the form will collect information to help quickly identify people who are eligible for and may benefit from COVID-19 medications and treatments to reduce the risk of severe disease and hospitalization. They say it will also be used to identify people who may need additional support from Public Health. Any information from people who complete the form before PCR testing, but test negative for COVID-19, won’t be used and will be deleted.
Alexa McDonough, political trailblazer and former NDP leader, dies at 77
(CP PHOTO/Andrew Vaughan)
Premier Tim Houston paid tribute on the weekend to the remarkable life and legacy of Alexa McDonough. The former NDP leader died Saturday at the age of 77. Houston says Alexa McDonough was a trailblazer whose name will be mentioned in the same breath as Agnes MacPhail and Gladys Porter. When McDonough became the leader of the Nova Scotia NDP, she made history as the first woman to lead a major political party in Canada. McDonough served in the Nova Scotia Legislature from 1981 until 1994. She was elected leader of the federal New Democratic Party in 1995. She stepped down as party leader in 2003, but continued to serve as a member of Parliament for two more terms, until 2008.
A libel action against a former premier of Nova Scotia and his justice minister has ended with an undisclosed settlement. The Justice Department has confirmed the legal action launched by former government litigator Alex Cameron has been resolved. Cameron resigned from his job in 2017, indicating he would sue ex-premier Stephen McNeil and former justice minister Dianne Whalen for comments they made about his work in a trial involving a Mi’kmaq First Nation.
