Province reports 2 new COVID-19 cases Sunday

Nova Scotia Premier Iain Rankin is describing the COVID-19 counts over the weekend as the lowest seen in some time.  The province reported two new cases of COVID-19 yesterday.  The two cases are in the central zone, which includes the Halifax Regional Municipality, and both are close contacts of previously reported cases.  Nova Scotia now has 83 active cases of COVID-19 – of those, six people are in hospital COVID-19 units, including three in ICU.

Canada is set to detail what quarantine rules citizens and permanent residents who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will soon have to follow when entering the country.  Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair said last week that “measures” would be announced today that will apply to immunized Canadians, as well as foreign nationals who are permitted entry.  Currently, those without citizenship or resident status can enter the country only if their travel is related to work, school or other essential business, but not for leisure.   As more Canadians get inoculated against COVID-19 and summer weather  has people itching to take some long-awaited trips, pressure is building for the Liberal government to begin relaxing some of its border and quarantine rules.  Over the weekend the country hit an important target of having 75 per cent of its eligible population receive one dose and 20 per cent get two, providing the latter group with full protection against COVID-19.  These were benchmarks Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and top health officials said needed to be met to safely relax pandemic-related health measures. (The Canadian Press)

 

Federal Government Announces Funding for Rapid Housing Projects at Pictou Landing First Nation

Central Nova MP Sean Fraser has announced more than $1.2-million that supported the construction of seven permanent affordable housing units for individuals and families in Pictou Landing First Nation.  The funding is through the Rapid Housing Initiative, which is delivered by CMHC and provides capital contributions to develop affordable housing.

 

Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day 

Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrating the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. This is the 25th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day.  The Pictou Landing First Nation Fire Department will be hosting a Drive thru BBQ. It will begin at 4:00 pm, until the food runs out.   Today, also celebrates the 4th Anniversary of the opening of the fire hall.

 

Province Removes Provincial Ferry Fees

The Nova Scotia government is permanently removing fees from all intra-provincial ferries.  Ferry fees were temporarily suspended for all provincial ferries in March 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Premier Iain Rankin says the seven ferry services are an integral part of the provincial transportation network and pick up where the highway leaves off.  He says the permanent elimination of ferry fees will reduce the financial burden on local residents and visitors.

The provincial ferries operate daily year-round and most have a 24-hour service. There are seven provincial ferry services:
— LaHave, Lunenburg County
— Country Harbour, Guysborough County
— Little Narrows, Victoria County
— Englishtown, Victoria County
— Tancook Islands, Lunenburg County
— Petit Passage, Digby County
— Grand Passage, Digby County

 

Weekend house fires displace 2 local families 

A family of six has been left temporarily homeless after a fire extensively damaged their house in Eureka on Friday. Red Cross volunteers arranged a place to stay for the family, and financial support for purchases like clothing and food.  There were no serious injuries although the man was checked at the scene by paramedics for minor burns and smoke inhalation.  Two adults have been forced from their home in Ardness by a weekend fire that started in a garage and spread to their house. The couple is staying temporarily with relatives and has received financial aid through the Canadian Red Cross for emergency purchases like food and clothing.  There were no injuries from the fire which was reported shortly after 6 p.m. Saturday.