Nova Scotia Health Public Health is confirming that there are now 30 total cases of measles in Northern Zone. Eight cases are lab-confirmed, and the remaining cases are considered confirmed based on their household exposure and classic symptoms.

The increase is expected because it is occurring within the 7 to 21-day period when secondary cases usually appear after exposure. Currently, new cases are mainly found in large households and specific, small communities with close contact.

As of now, there are no new public exposure sites identified, and none of the current cases are linked to the previous public exposures at the Aberdeen and St. Martha’s Emergency Departments.

Public Health expects the number of cases to increase in the coming weeks. However, the risk to the general public is still considered low as most people are protected from measles by being vaccinated or from previous infection.

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Gasoline prices went down overnight in Nova Scotia, while there’s no change in diesel prices.  The price of regular gasoline decreased by 1.2 cents per litre, while the price of premium gasoline dropped by 1.5 cents per litre.  That puts the minimum pump price for regular gasoline in our area at $1.44 per litre.  Diesel goes for $1.56 per litre.

 

 

The Province’s environment minister says there’s no set deadline for Northern Pulp to submit a cleanup plan of its shuttered mill site in Pictou County.  Tim Halman told reporters following a cabinet meeting yesterday that the next step for the company is to submit a reclamation plan for the site that will be assessed by his department.  Halman says that once the plan is submitted the government will have more to say about its expectations for the site.  Northern Pulp, which has been in creditor protection since closing the mill in June 2020, announced last week it was launching a court-supervised sale of its assets.

 

 

Nova Scotia is continuing work this year to improve roads, trails and accessibility at its provincial parks through 12.8 million in funding.

A total of 40 parks are getting improvements such as paved roads, natural playgrounds, washrooms, beach access, trail improvements and parking lot, water and septic upgrades.

This year’s funding is part of the five-year capital plan commitment of 28.6 million dollars for provincial parks that runs until 2027.

 

 

The 2025 Special Olympics Nova Scotia Provincial Summer Games are underway after the Opening Ceremonies Thursday night at St FX in Antigonish — and Special Olympics Pictou County is well-represented.  Athletes will be competing in Athletics, Bocce, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Soccer, Basketball, Swimming and Golf.  The Games continue through Sunday.

 

 

Meanwhile, Special Olympian Daniel Martin has been inducted into the Pictou County Sports Hall of Fame.  Daniel won the Gold Medal in the 1600 meter showshoe and the Silver Medal in 4×400 snowshoe relay for Canada at the Special Olympic World Games in Austria back in 2017 — becoming the first person from Pictou County to compete at the World Games since 1987. Daniel has also won multiple medals representing Nova Scotia at the Special Olympic Canada Summer and Winter Games.