N.S. lifting most COVID-19 restrictions today, masking remains in public schools
As of today, most public health restrictions in Nova Scotia have been lifted, including gathering limits, physical distancing and mask requirements. The state of emergency in Nova Scotia also came to an end at midnight. However, some measures remain in place for high-risk settings, such as healthcare and long-term care. In addition, officials announced on Friday that masking will remain mandatory for a few more weeks in public schools as students return to class today after March Break. Also on Friday, the province issued its second weekly report on COVID-19 data after ending its daily updates. The report noted continued community spread of the virus and 15 more deaths. As of Thursday, there were 38 people hospitalized with COVID-19, including 12 in intensive care. There were 2,888 PCR positive lab results identified between March 9 and March 15.
Meanwhile, as Nova Scotia lifts its mask mandate for most indoor public spaces, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang strongly recommends people continue to wear masks, physically distance, get tested for COVID-19 and keep social gatherings small. Dr. Strang said individual businesses are allowed to require patrons wear masks. During Phase 3, people who test positive for COVID-19 are still legally required to isolate for seven days. They’re also required to tell people in their households, but they’re only encouraged — not required — to share the diagnosis with close contacts.
HMCS Halifax departs to Europe for NATO support during Russian invasion of Ukraine
A second Canadian warship left Halifax on Saturday to support NATO efforts in northern European waters, a day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convened his Incident Response Group to discuss Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Defence Minister Anita Anand was on hand as the HMCS Halifax departed for the six-month deployment, and said that the crew’s contribution to NATO’s deterrence measures will help Europe uphold its “strength and sovereignty.” Its deployment comes after HMCS Montreal left in January for the Mediterranean and Black Sea. (The Canadian Press)
Ottawa under pressure as CP Rail stoppage enters second day as talks continue
The pressure is on in Ottawa today as a CP Rail work stoppage enters its second day. Industry leaders and politicians have urged Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan to end the labour dispute after 3,000 conductors, engineers and train and yard workers were off the job over the weekend. The company and union both blamed each other for causing the work stoppage, though both also said they were still talking with federal mediators on Sunday. Canadian Chamber of Commerce President Perrin Beatty says O’Regan must table back to work legislation immediately. He warns the consequences to the supply chain, already battered by the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainty in northern Europe, could be severe. The House of Commons resumes today following a two-week break, so legislation could come immediately if the government so chooses. But a spokeswoman for O’Regan said yesterday that the government believes the best deal is reached at the bargaining table. (The Canadian Press)
Local hockey team in the running for Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup
Youth hockey teams from across the country have been completing Good Deeds in their communities since December as part of the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup and the U13AA Pictou County Crushers have been announced as the Nova Scotia Regional Finalists! Contest organizers noted the Crushers team planned an ‘inclusion weekend’ to help educate guests on inclusion, diversity and racism. In addition, they also placed positivity signs around their community, organized a toy drive, and made several other donations to help make a positive impact. Online voting started on Saturday and you can vote once per day until April 2nd. The winning team will receive $100,000 to donate to a charity of their choice. Once the votes have been tallied, the winner will be announced live during Hockey Night in Canada on April 16.
Premier Tim Houston will serve as Chair at an in-person Council of Atlantic Premiers (CAP) meeting today in Halifax. The premiers will discuss the economy, healthcare, immigration and energy.
Local Sports:
Pictou County Crushers U13 AA team became Northern Conference League Champs and the U-11 AA team are the 2021-2022 South Champions!
The Northern Subway Selects U18AAA girls are moving on to the next playoffs series after winning 3-1 against the Halifax Western Capitals over the weekend.
