PROVINCE PROVIDES UPDATE AS STUDENTS GET READY FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL

Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Zach Churchill and Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health (NS Government)

Education Minister Zack Churchill says the province has invested $40 million to support the return to school. Churchill and Dr. Robert Strang say we all have to do our part, and families should monitor the health of their children daily and keep them home if they’re not feeling well. Strang says managing a case or cases of COVID-19 in a school will depend on the level of exposure and the risk to students, staff and people deemed to be essential visitors. The Teachers’ Union says some teachers who have returned to school early, are being greeted by a lack of face masks. And NSTU President Paul Wozny says he’s not impressed that Dr. Strang has signed off on the province’s back to school plan. The latest provincial report shows no new COVID cases, but there were still 6 active infections as of yesterday.

Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Robert Strang says masking, physical distancing and all the other health rules surrounding back to school next week will be enough to protect students and their families in a low-risk environment. Strang is using “low risk” to describe Nova Scotia schools right now, and says if there’s an outbreak, the rules to keep students safe will become stricter. Strang says he fully expects to see COVID-19 in provincial schools this fall, and public health will deal with them according to how many contacts each infected student has made, using a new set of provincial severity guidelines.

Andrew Francis is the Principal at New Glasgow Academy, and says there are lots of changes planned when your children return to school, starting straight from when they step off the bus. He adds there’s also going to be a much stronger emphasis on teaching outdoors. Francis says steps to make his and other schools safer are already well underway.

The Chignecto Centre for Education (CCRCE) is offering students who are new to taking the school bus a chance to get familiar with them again today.  That familiarity exercise will be taking place at the Tatamagouche Regional Academy, and A.G. Baillie from 9 o’clock this morning until 2 this afternoon. (Thursday)

 

 

SMALL DROP IN NEW BRUNSWICK GAS PRICES

No major changes in New Brunswick gas prices as we get close to the Labour Day Weekend. Gas prices are down by three-tenths of a cent this morning, and New Brunswick diesel prices dropped just one-tenth of a penny. The new setting for Nova Scotia fuel prices comes tonight at midnight.

 

FRASER RE-OFFERING IN WARD 2

Clyde Fraser is looking for your vote in New Glasgow’s Ward 2 during this fall’s municipal vote. He plays a very active role in the community and says his aim is to help the town flourish. Clyde says his vision for New Glasgow is inclusive and progressive. He is a proud North-ender looking to bring more positive change to the community, and he’s asking for your vote on October 17th.

 

 

BLUENOSE II EXPECTED IN PICTOU HARBOUR THIS AFTERNOON

The latest estimate for when Bluenose II will visit Pictou Harbour is now around 4:30 this afternoon. (Thursday) If you’re looking for more precise information, in case that changes slightly, you can visit the ship tracker for the most up to date timing through the day at bluenose.novascotia.ca 

Bluenose II schedule:

Tatamagouche – 10:30
River John – 11:15
Cape John – noon
Caribou Island – 2:15
Lighthouse Beach – 3:45
Sail past Ship Hector before anchoring in Pictou Harbour around 4:30pm.