N.S. drivers get some relief at the pumps after UARB invokes interrupter clause overnight

A big break at the pumps.  The Nova Scotia Utility and Review adjusted gasoline and diesel prices overnight due to significant shifts in market prices.  Gas prices dropped by 7.6 cents per litre, putting the local price for self-serve regular gasoline at 132.6 cents per litre.  Diesel prices decreased by 7.1 cents per litre, leaving them at 132.0 cents per litre in our area.  The last time the interrupter clause was used in Nova Scotia was Mar. 20, 2021.

 

Nova Scotia reports 61 new cases of COVID-19, driven by new cluster in northern zone

Photo credit: Communications N.S.

Nova Scotia reported 61 new cases of COVID-19 and 31 recoveries on Tuesday. Health officials say they have identified a new cluster of cases in a localized community in northern zone and there is also evidence of limited community spread in Halifax and parts of northern Nova Scotia. Chief medical officer of health, Dr. Robert Strang, says the cluster in the northern zone involves a group of largely unvaccinated individuals. The province has 200 active infections with 13 people in hospital, including four in intensive care.

 

Public Health Mobile Unit providing free PCR COVID-19 testing in Pictou Dec. 1

The Public Health Mobile Unit will be in Pictou today to offer free PCR COVID-19 testing to all ages. The PCR swish and gargle test will be on site for ages 4 to 18.

Testing is free and available to anyone who:

• is experiencing symptoms
• has no symptoms (asymptomatic)
• has been to a potential exposure site, or
• is a close contact of a positive case of COVID-19.

The Public Health Mobile Unit will be available for booked appointments and drop-ins at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 16 (1130 Veterans Dr., Pictou) Wednesday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.  Rapid antigen take-home tests will be available for pick-up – supply limited.  Also, with the recent increase in cases of COVID-19 and potential community spread, as a precautionary measure, Nova Scotia Health will open to community members who do not have symptoms (asymptomatic) to get tested at the New Glasgow COVID-19 Testing Centre: Pictou County Assessment Centre (678 East River Rd., New Glasgow)  Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Provincial vaccine mandate deadline reached 

Photo credit: The Canadian Press

Most Nova Scotia public sector workers have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, ahead of yesterday’s deadline, but officials say some services may still be affected.  The province says 99 per cent of government employees and 99 per cent of front-line health-care workers and of paramedics and education staff have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.  But the small number of unvaccinated workers who are forced on leave may cause disruptions in school bus routes and within long-term care and home care agencies.  All provincial agencies have contingency plans in case employees are placed on leave, but most don’t expect to need them, according to officials.

 

All travellers arriving by air, except from U.S., need COVID-19 test at airport

Ottawa is making changes in the face of the Omicron COVID variant.  Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos announced Tuesday that all air travellers entering Canada will now need to be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival at the airport and isolate until they get their results, even if they are fully vaccinated against the virus.  The federal government also expanded its no-fly list to include three more countries from Africa — Egypt, Malawi, and Nigeria. Canada now has four Omicron cases reported. (The Canadian Press)

 

Long-term care workers rally across N.S. for better pay, more workers

Rally outside Glen Haven Manor in New Glasgow on November 30, 2021 (Photo credit: Brian Cameron)

The Canadian Union of Public Employees organized 30 rallies across the province on Tuesday in support of long-term care workers and call for higher wages and more staff.  The new PC government had promised during the election campaign to improve working conditions in long-term care, including hiring 2,000 additional workers.  Minister of Seniors and Long-term care Barbara Adam’s says steps are being taken.

 

Province ends use of controversial birth alerts but calls for change persist

The Nova Scotia government is ending the use of birth alerts for expectant families. Birth alerts are notices from child welfare agencies to hospital staff on an expectant parent when significant risks are present during the pregnancy.  Community Services Minister Karla MacFarlane says she recognizes the disproportionate effect of the alerts on African Nova Scotian and Indigenous families. The province says it has created a position for a family connections coordinator that will help expectant families who are struggling or have multiple needs that pose a risk.

 

Progress report says Nova Scotia still clear-cutting too much of its forests

A new report says Nova Scotia has done little to curb clear-cutting since the government accepted a recommendation to do so in 2018.  The report from University of King’s College president Bill Lahey says forestry operations across the province have remained virtually unchanged.  Lahey says recent clear-cutting on Crown lands wouldn’t have been so aggressive had the original recommendation been implemented.  In his 2018 report, Lahey said clear-cutting would be acceptable in certain areas, but he said it should be stopped in areas with different species of trees. (The Canadian Press)