Dr. Robert Strang shares latest vaccinate numbers. Photo Nova Scotia Government

Over 75 percent of Nova Scotians have either received their first dose of COVID vaccine or have an appointment booked.

Nova Scotia now leads the country in the number of people who have received a first dose.

The province’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang says this is a milestone worth celebrating but we can’t stop yet.

“Seventy-five percent of the entire population with at least one dose is our minimum. While we’ve shifted focus to second doses, we still want as many people as possible to get their first dose and then their second. The more people who are fully vaccinated, the better protected we all are from COVID and its variants, especially the Delta variant,” said Strang.

Another 8,000 members of the military will be added to the total to push the province past the 75 percent mark.

At Monday’s COVID briefing Dr. Strang said the province could begin lifting mask and social distancing restrictions before the end of summer. At Wednesday’s briefing he said that action is dependent on Nova Scotian’s continued willingness to do what needs to be done to beat back COVID.

“We need every eligible person to get both doses of vaccine to help protect us all,” said Strang. “The sooner we do that, the sooner we can lift more restrictions and public health measures.”

Strang acknowledged there are many places who are moving ahead with plans to lift restrictions despite their populations not being fully vaccinated.

He said plans to reopen in the United Kingdom and the United States come with risks of more viral spread, especially the highly contagious Delta variant.

“There is a clear link now between lower COVID vaccination rates and more COVID deaths by state. As Mississippi state health officer says, it is the unvaccinated people who are being diagnosed, who are going to hospital and who are dying. And that’s not a risk we are prepared to take in Nova Scotia,” said Strang. “Our people, our healthcare system and our economy have been through enough so we’ll continue our cautious approach to reopening while we increase our vaccine coverage.”

While Nova Scotia leads in first-dose vaccinations, the province sits in the middle of the pack getting second doses into arms.

Strang reiterated his plea for all Nova Scotians who are able, to get both doses of the vaccine as soon as they can.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

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Premier Stephen McNeil. Photo Nova Scotia Government

Friday marked the final time Premier Stephen McNeil would provide a COVID update to Nova Scotians.

McNeil noted the milestone was significant as it was the 100^th time he and the province’s chief medical officer Dr. Robert Strang appeared together to give the latest update on the pandemic and vaccinations.

The premier was asked to reflect on the last eleven months and if there is anything he would like to have done differently.

McNeil said it was important for officials to recognize what they didn’t know about the virus, such as the asymptomatic transmission but overall, was proud of the response by Nova Scotians.

“When we started early on, there were so many unknowns for us. That’s why we acted very quickly and aggressively in shutting down parts of our economy. I think those decisions early on, with the acknowledgement of what we didn’t know, allowed us to be in a position where good parts of our economy are functioning as long as people continue to follow the public health protocols,” said McNeil.

Dr. Strang announced new precautions for travellers from Newfoundland who aren’t required to self-isolate such as long-haul truckers.

Beginning Sunday, COVID-19 testing will be mandatory for anyone arriving by ferry.

Strang also unveiled the locations of 10 community based vaccination clinics, which will be rolled out beginning March 8 in Halifax, New Minas, Sydney and Truro.

Residents of the South Shore will wait to rollup their sleeves until March 22 when a clinic will be opened in Bridgewater.

Seniors 80 years of age and older are the first eligible to receive the injection. MSI will contact those selected by letter to book an appointment.

The province is reporting two new cases of COVID-19, one in the Eastern and one in the Central zone to bring the total to 15 active cases in Nova Scotia.

McNeil said getting to know Dr. Strang was something good that came out of this pandemic.

“Good male role-models are hard to find and last March I found one. He’s an extraordinary Nova Scotian who I think, all of us, owe a great debt of gratitude to. I’m really proud, not only of what he’s been able to do here, but I’m really proud of the fact that I got to know the man,” said McNeil. “I want to say to all Nova Scotians, he may be a great public health doctor but he’s an even better man.”

Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr. Robert Strang. Photo Nova Scotia Government

Strang was equally complimentary of McNeil.

“The premier’s been on the hot seat for a lot of things and I’ve learned a lot in the last year and I can understand why the premier is tired after seven years. But what I’ve seen is somebody who is principled and honest and as I said in my remarks, always, throughout the past year, has put the health of Nova Scotians first and foremost and I have great respect for the premier for that,” said Strang.

Incoming premier-elect Iain Rankin will replace Premier McNeil on Tuesday. McNeil addressed Nova Scotians directly in his final remarks.

“I can’t tell you what it has meant to me over the last 11 months, for you generosity of spirit and your kindness towards me and your thoughtfulness of supporting me and asking me how I’m doing. At the same time you wrapped your arms around each other,” said McNeil. “You know, we take for granted sometimes this beautiful province we live in. We have beautiful scenery, we have magnificent views, we don’t often look back and say you know, the people are pretty good too. You demonstrated that in spades over the last 11 months and I am deeply grateful. My family and I are deeply grateful for the kindness that you’ve shown.”

McNeil asked Nova Scotians to continue to show that kindness and support to Iain Rankin when he takes office next week.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

To listen to the broadcast of this story, press play below.

Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr Robert Strang announce extended holiday. Photo: Nova Scotia Government

Christmas is coming early for Nova Scotia students.

Premier Stephen McNeil announced public schools will be closing December 18 and will remain closed until January 11, extending the festive holiday by nine days.

The premier said government is changing the holiday out of an abundance of caution.

“Christmas is coming and we are concerned that as family and friends gather, even in small groups, COVID could show up’ said McNeil. “Just look what happened in some of our western provinces after Thanksgiving weekend. They saw an uptick in cases.”

While students will enjoy an extra week off, school staff will be back January 4 to undergo five days of professional development.

The province’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang announced nine new COVID-19 cases bringing the total active number in Nova Scotia to 65.

In the past two days, four cases have been found at The Eden Valley Poultry processing plant in Berwick. Strang announced the plant will be shut for two weeks as a result.

He says the closure is a warning that Nova Scotians can’t let their guard down and relax the precautions they’re taking against spreading the coronavirus.

“Is a stark reminder that we’re not through this yet and things can change very quickly. I know that people are anxious and ready to get back to something a little more normal but moving too quickly away from these restrictions can do the opposite.,” said Strang. “It can put us right back to where we were a month ago and prolong the need for extensive restrictions around COVID.”

Strang says help is on the way in the form of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, which is expected to arrive in Nova Scotia December 15.

He says public health have been running mock drills to ensure they are prepared to meet the stringent handling requirements of the vaccine.

“It is a complicated operation especially with the Pfizer vaccine, given its unique storage and handling requirements. But I hope people can see by the work that’s gone on that we are absolutely ready to receive vaccine and start administering that,” said Strang.

The premier closed the update by saying the virus moves quickly through communities and tracking it will help chart the course for the province over the next few weeks.

“Movement matters. Where we go, what we do, who we’re with and how we behave. I know how important Christmas is to families, especially those who are spread out across our province. But it is our job to do our best to keep you safe. We will have more to say about this next week.”

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson