Houston says Nova Scotians should vent frustrations with politicians, not workers

Premier Tim Houston. Photo Communications Nova Scotia

The government of Nova Scotia has announced all 11,000 direct provincial employees will be required to be vaccinated by November 30.

Those who fail to do so could be placed on unpaid leave.

The measure comes as the province reports another death from COVID and 25 new cases Wednesday.

Chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang says Nova Scotia is currently averaging about 40 new cases each day, about what is his department expected to see during this fourth wave of the pandemic.

At Wednesday’s COVID briefing Strang also addressed concerns about the number of cases that have been found in schools.

He says parents should not keep their children out of school unless directed to by public health.

“High vaccination rate and mild symptoms in the vast majority of children means that we can have some tolerance for this. And I firmly believe that the risk of not being in school is greater than the risk of COVID,” said Strang. “I believe that schools remain safe even though we may have some virus activity.”

Strang says if public health feels a school needs to be closed they will not hesitate to do so.

Commenting on the implementation of proof of vaccine requirements that took effect October 4, Premier Tim Houston says the feedback he’s heard from businesses and the public has been mostly positive.

And those who do not support the measures should not take their frustrations out on employees doing what the province have told them they must.

“If you don’t want to do the things that keep us all safe, just stay home. If you’re unhappy, feel free to flip me the bird when I’m walking down the street, or yell at me but don’t yell at the person that’s just doing their job,” said Houston. “Please, take that out on us but not them.”

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