The province is taking baby steps in easing off pandemic restrictions.

Beginning Monday February 7 Nova Scotians will be able to attend events and gatherings in higher numbers.

People still need to maintain their bubble groups of 10 but they can now do so in gatherings of up to 100 inside and 150 people outside.

That includes social, arts and culture events or sport and recreation activities. Faith gatherings, weddings with receptions, and funerals with visitation and receptions can also meet under the new limits.

Retail outlets and fitness facilities can now open to 75 percent of their capacity as well.

The province’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang says there’s good reason why there will be no change in the restrictions for bars and restaurants.

“Evidence tells us that late night social gatherings where alcohol and other substances may be involved present much higher risks than a youth club or a business meeting. That is why we can open up many types of gatherings but not all,” said Strang.

Bars and restaurants will need to maintain their existing gathering limits and stop service at 10pm and close by 11pm.

Sports teams can also continue to play against other teams they would routinely face but spectators can now be in the stands under the new limits.

However, Strang says when it comes to school sports and concerts, families still need to stay home

“Keeping the number of people in our school low has been an important part of our success in keeping our schools COVID safe,” said Strang. “Therefore we have to maintain the restriction that non-essential adults cannot be allowed into our schools at this time.

No new cases of COVID 19 are being reported today and, Nova Scotia currently has eight active cases. Two people are being treated in hospital and one of those is in the ICU.

In one of his last messages as premier of Nova Scotia, Stephen McNeil cautioned people to continue to be responsible.

“This is a test for all of us,” said McNeil. “We’re keeping our cases down but the moment that we see a shift or a surge, a change in the number of cases, we will not hesitate to bring back restrictions. It really is up to all of us.”

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

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

Dr. Robert Strang provides COVID-19 update. Photo Nova Scotia Government

Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health says until they can establish a stable supply of COVID-19 vaccine they will continue to hold back the second doses.

Dr. Robert Strang was commenting on news that the manufacturer of the two-dose vaccine Pfizer has said it will reduce the amount of vaccine being shipped to Canada.

That will allow Pfizer to temporary close one of their facilities in Belgium in order to expand production to meet demand.

Premier Stephen McNeil says the province has set up their vaccine schedule to protect against these kind of interruptions.

“We are continuing to give the first shot and hold back the second shot to guarantee people a full vaccination,” said McNeil. “We will continue to do this until we are guaranteed there will be no interruption in supply.”

The province has been allocated 140,000 doses of vaccine for the first 90 days of the year, 13,000 of which have already been received and administered or have been designated to be administered.

First in line in Nova Scotia are frontline healthcare workers and nursing home residents. The second phase will see the vaccine enter the general population starting with the most elderly.

“We’re hopeful to be able to, not January but maybe February or March, to pilot a couple of clinics, one in Halifax, one in Truro,” said Dr. Strang.

He calls the COVID-19 vaccination program the most complex ever rolled out in Nova Scotia.

The province announced two new COVID-19 cases today. Since the start of the second wave in October there have been 461 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia. Four hundred twenty-nine are resolved and there are currently 32 active cases, none of which require hospitalization.

The low case numbers indicate the public health measures have been working according to Dr. Strang.

He is concerned some people have not been completely forthcoming when contacted by public health officials. He and the premier assured Nova Scotians their information is kept confidential and it can help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Dr. Strang says he is pleased to see the majority of people are following protocols to keep each other safe and he had a message for those who don’t.

“I would ask any Nova Scotians who think that public health measures don’t apply to them, to think again and to stop. And think about the rest of the province, the rest of Nova Scotians and the sacrifices that so many of us have made.”

Dr. Strang was blunt when asked when he expected life to return to normal.

“That’s a million dollar question,” said Dr. Strang. “Public health people like myself, experts on the virus, I think we’re all on the same page that most of 2021, we need to continue to be following COVID restrictions and COVID protocols.”

Dr. Strang says officials need time to get vaccine out and get enough people vaccinated to create herd immunity. The also need to learn if the vaccine will keep people from spreading the virus even if they don’t show any symptoms.

He expects it will be six to nine months before we’ll begin to know how a post-COVID world will look.

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

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

Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil. Photo: Nova Scotia Government

Nova Scotia’s premier is making his last appearance in the legislature, and he’s none too happy about it.

Premier Stephen McNeil has asked the leaders of the Progressive Conservatives and New Democratic Parties to sit in a virtual session Friday to avoid meeting in a large group during COVID.

McNeil has previously announced he will prorogue the legislature at that sitting. The formality will close the fall session without any legislation being introduced, debated or passed.

The premier expressed his frustration with the other two parties at a press conference following Thursday’s cabinet meeting, accusing them of forcing government to meet in person.

“But I’m going to have to tell people that I have to ignore the public health protocols because the two opposition people think they’re equivalent to health care workers, they’re equivalent to teachers, they’re equivalent to people who have been working their tails off to keep us safe when the very job they do could have easily happened virtually. They have no role tomorrow. The Lieutenant Governor is proroguing it,” said McNeil.

The premier was referring to a letter sent by the NDP, which stated, “Across the province, teachers, nurses, health care workers, public servants, grocery store workers, and others have been going to their workplaces, and we see no reason why MLAs could not be present in the legislature.”

Even with reduced numbers representing all parties, McNeil objects to an in-person sitting of the legislature.

“The very thing I’m asking you to do over the holidays to keep our province safe, by keeping your gatherings at ten, I’m being forced by the opposition to cross the street with more than 15 people. I want you to think about that the next time you go to the polls,” said McNeil. “All the sacrifice you’ve made over the last ten months, all we ask from our elected officials is join you, to be a little courageous, to do things a bit different. But instead they put their own self-interest ahead of yours.”

NDP Leader Gary Burrill said his party isn’t forcing the government to do anything.

“To mischaracterize it as though we were forcing the government to do something that is unsafe, this is entirely a misreading of what we have said, at such a level that, in my judgment, it is manipulative and insincere and untruthful,” said Burrill.

NDP Leader Gary Burrill. Zoom screenshot

PC Leader Tim Houston said no one is asking to violate health orders. It’s clear to him the premier is trying to politicize this final sitting.

“I think what’s happening here,” said Houston, “is the premier is lashing out because he’s embarrassed by his own mismanagement of the whole file.”

By law, the legislature needs to sit twice a year. An early spring session allowed the governing Liberals to pass a budget before the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic set in. But the legislature hasn’t met since then.

House leaders from all three parties have been working since August to find a way to safely return to the legislature.

PC Leader Tim Houston. Zoom screenshot

Houston said his party found out late Tuesday evening McNeil wanted to sit virtually Friday and they began to plan accordingly.

“Now we find out the premier didn’t really have that plan organized, he hadn’t prepared for that, he hadn’t done the work necessary that should’ve been done over the past couple of months.,” said Houston. “And now, if we listen to him, we can’t sit virtually, we don’t know, we’re still waiting for directions.”

Houston said he was going to contact the province’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang for his recommendation on how many people could be safely present in the legislature.

At dinnertime Thursday Strang responded to the PC leader that he had already given the Lieutenant Governor’s office direction, and that under the current restrictions in the Public Health Order there can be no more than 5 people together in the legislature chamber.

Strang added, because all Nova Scotians are asked to avoid non-essential travel in and out of Halifax until December 21, MLAs should attend the sitting virtually.

Premier McNeil said an archaic rule of law would compel the legislature to meet in person to pass a motion to allow them to meet virtually.

Whether or not select members of all parties will be present at Friday’s sitting, just like the rest of 2020, the final legislative session for McNeil will be memorable.

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

Dr. Robert Strang and Premier Stephen McNeil announce new COVID restrictions for Christmas. Photo: Nova Scotia Government

Nova Scotia will have new COVID-19 restrictions beginning December 21 but family members will be allowed to visit over the holidays.

Premier Stephen McNeil says while they are relaxing some restrictions to allow relatives to travel, it’s important people still follow COVID protocols.

“You can travel from A to B. Which essentially means, if your family lives in a different community you can go visit your family at Christmas. You can have up to 10 people, total in your gathering,” said McNeil. “When you get there, stay there. We’re doing this because we know how important it is for families to be together at this time.”

Long-term care residents will have their restrictions eased to allow two designated caregivers to visit. Facilities can also allow a limited number of visitors

A number of new restrictions are coming into place.

Social or special events, festivals, arts/cultural events and sports events are all cancelled.

Faith gatherings, wedding ceremonies and funeral services up to a maximum of 150 people outdoors or 100 indoors are allowed but wedding and funeral receptions are not.

People can gather in groups of up to 10 in their homes, including the people who live there.

They can also gather with up to 10 people in a close social group.

Restaurants and licensed establishments must stop service by 10 p.m. and close by 11 p.m.

Fitness and sport and recreation facilities can open but must restrict the number and proximity of participants.

Retail and shopping mall rules currently in place for areas of HRM and Hants County will extend to the entire province, including operating at 25 per cent of their capacity.

A complete list of the new restrictions is available at this link.

The province’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang says now is not the time to undo all the good work we’ve done just so we can enjoy a holiday they way we are used to.

“We’ll get back there. I’ve said it before, I’d like to have everybody who is here today in Nova Scotia be around next year in Nova Scotia to celebrate Christmas in a different way, to celebrate our holidays in a different way. But to do that, we need to make sure that we’re all safe so we don’t lose people along the way.”

Strang and McNeil were present as the first group of Nova Scotians received the COVID-19 vaccinations in Halifax Wednesday.

Strang said the amount of collaboration that took place to enable this to happen is moving for so many.

“Three weeks ago we weren’t sure how we were going to do the vaccination. We’ve come so far in three weeks. And to see, both in the health system and across government, everybody put up their hand and say what can I do to help?”

Strang reminded people that getting vaccination to every Nova Scotian who wants it will be a long road and COVID restrictions need to be stay in place in the meantime.

He recognizes people are getting tired but he hopes they can take inspiration from the sacrifice of others.

“Think about the healthcare workers in this province who are willing to say, I’m not going to have Christmas with my family like I had planned because I need to be there helping people get immunized. They are there, sacrificing for you. What we are asking the people to follow is not too much to ask given what other people are doing to help you be safe.”

The new restrictions come into effect December 21 and will remain in place until January 10.

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

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

Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr. Robert Strang provide a COVID-19 update. Photo credit: Nova Scotia government

The province’s top doctor is reminding Nova Scotians if they want to enjoy the Christmas season with friends and family they need to keep their guard up.

At a COVID-19 briefing Tuesday, chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang said the number of COVID-19 cases has been creeping up over the past week in Nova Scotia and other provinces are experiencing record-high infections.

“Right now we need to focus on the next two months,” said Strang. “The things we do now will have a direct impact on what we’ll be able to do safely as we enter the holiday season. The next few weeks are critically important.”

Strang understands as Nova Scotians approach the ninth month of dealing with COVID-19 people are getting tired. He said everyone needs to continue to think of protecting others by following the established safety protocols including: frequent hand washing, social distancing and wearing masks.

“So if you can wear a mask, wear one. Do not look for loopholes and don’t make false claims. You’re putting yourself and everyone else at risk with this kind of self-centered behavior,” said Strang.

Strang says our province needs to continue doing the things we’ve been doing which have kept the worst of the pandemic at bay.

Nova Scotia has had 12 new cases of COVID-19 since last week’s update. The province announced one new case Tuesday in the Northern Zone, bringing the total number of active COVID-19 cases in Nova Scotia to 16.

Strang made his plea for continued vigilance just hours after the province announced they will allocate $5.5 million of federal funding from the Safe Return to Class Fund to gradually open school gyms to community groups for physical activity and sports.

That funding will allow schools to pay for the extra cleaning necessary to open gyms and washrooms to the public outside of school hours.

Premier Stephen McNeil joined Dr. Strang in calling on Nova Scotians to stay alert to the dangers of COVID-19.

“We are heading into the flu season. Winter is coming which will force us indoors. I know we’re tired. We’re coming into the ninth month of dealing with COVID. I understand you’re fed up, but we can’t let our guard down,” said McNeil.

The premier said by working together, Nova Scotians have managed to keep the coronavirus mostly contained. To keep each other safe, everyone must continue to follow the safety protocols.

“And if we don’t just look around the country or look across the border. The evidence is clear,” said McNeil. “There’s a reason cases are on the rise. COVID likes when you don’t wear a mask. COVID likes when you gather in groups. COVID likes to be ignored because then it finds a way in. And once it’s in, it is hard to get out.”

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

Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr. Robert Strang COVID-19 briefing October 28, 2020. Photo credit: Nova Scotia Government

Nova Scotians can now book their COVID-19 tests online.

Premier Stephen McNeil and Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang, made the announcement at Wednesday’s COVID-19 update.

Previously, after completing an online assessment, anyone needing a test would have to call and leave a message with a scheduler then wait for a call back to book an appointment.

Dr. Strang said the new system streamlines that process.

“Moving it to online as part of this bigger project, like everything else, it just makes it faster. You can go in there, you don’t have to wait to get a call back. You don’t have to wait online for somebody. You can just make your own appointment. It’s much faster and efficient,” said Strang.

Anyone getting tested in the Central Zone or at the IWK Health Centre will have access to online booking immediately. People living in the Northern, Western which includes Queens County) and Eastern Zones can expect to have access to the new system by the second week of November.

In the two weeks since the last COVID-19 update on October 14, the province has had 10 new positive cases of the coronavirus. Nine of those were related to travel outside the Atlantic provinces and one was a close contact with one of the travellers.

Currently there are five active cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia and to date, the province has had 1,102 positive cases and 65 deaths.

Following up on Tuesday’s announcement from the province that international students will be permitted to return to post-secondary and language schools, Dr. Strang said the schools must make those students aware of the travel and quarantine restrictions before they set foot on a plane for Canada.

“Once they get here they are required to self-isolate for 14 days and the institutions must have a detailed protocol in place to support those students all the way from getting them from the airport to either a hotel or another living arrangement and then to monitor and support them in that 14 day quarantine,” said Strang.

Unlike when university students arrived in the fall, the international students will not need to undergo a mandatory three COVID-19 tests during their two-week isolation.

Dr. Strang said because the number of international students is much smaller and they will be arriving over a longer period of time the risk is far less than the thousands of students arriving at one time in September.

“We didn’t feel that it was necessary to supplement quarantining with testing,” said Strang. “The most important thing and what minimizes the risk of any transmission, is adherence to the quarantine.”

Dr. Strang said public health officials, working alongside the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development will allow private school from grades kindergarten to 12 to bring in international students under the same guidelines.

However, he did not say when or if international students would be permitted to return to public schools this year.

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

Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil addresses reporters after cabinet meeting. Photo credit: Nova Scotia Government

Premier Stephen McNeil is once again calling for all sides of the indigenous fishing dispute taking place on the province’s South Shore to sit down and talk out their issues.

McNeil made the statement at a press conference following Thursday’s cabinet meeting.

The premier said federal fisheries minister and MP for South-Shore St.Margarets Bernadette Jordan and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans need to take a lead to get all sides to the table.

His statement comes after a night of violence saw hundreds of commercial fishers gathered in New Edinburgh set a van on fire and steal and destroy hundreds of pounds of lobster.

Tensions between indigenous and non-indigenous fishers have erupted since the Sipekne’katik band asserted their rights to a moderate living and launched a fishery outside of the season designated by DFO.

McNeil warned anyone attempting to take the law into their own hands risks enflaming an already volatile situation.

“Is only going to continue to deepen wounds, deepen the distrust and people need to understand this is a very difficult issue. There are people on all sides who believe they’re right and what we need is the federal minister to sit down with both sides in the room,” said McNeil.

Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan issued a statement ahead of last nights events condemning the escalation of this dispute which read, “I am appalled by the reported events in Digby County last night and I strongly condemn the actions of every individual who destroyed property, committed violence, or uttered threats. There is no place for this kind of violence or intimidation.

I am particularly disturbed to hear reports of racist comments and actions made towards First Nations peoples. This is unacceptable and we all have a responsibility to call out and condemn this kind of behaviour and language.

I am very relieved that no injuries have been reported. Right now, I am calling on everyone involved to take a step back, and bring calm and understanding to the situation.

Our Government is seized with the issue, and we will continue to work with both First Nations and industry leadership to find a path forward. Our conversations to date have been positive, and we must ensure they continue that way.

Progress cannot be made if individuals resort to violence.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also weighed in on the recent events.

In a release, Trudeau said, “The acts of violence and intimidation committed in Digby County yesterday are unacceptable, and I join Minister Jordan in strongly condemning them. We cannot continue down this path. We must work together to advance reconciliation and implement First Nation treaty rights.”

The premier was asked how satisfied he is with the federal response.

“I’m extremely disappointed quite frankly, that we are in a position where they’re not sitting at the table to find what is a workable solution,” said McNeil. “There are going to have to be difficult conversations. I think both sides know this.”

McNeil said the only influence the province has over the situation is the issuing of buying licenses. They’re waiting for the national government to determine what is a moderate livelihood before they can adjust their policies around buying licenses accordingly.

“No matter how much I want to resolve this issue, I don’t have any authority to do so,” said McNeil. “That’s why it’s critical for the national government to be there. It’s why, in my humble opinion, the chiefs need to focus on the national government and bring the national government to the table and deal with both sides. Not only the national government but the traditional fishery and the industry that’s in this province.”

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

Premier Stephen McNeil signs minister’s oath of office. Photo credit: Nova Scotia Government

Premier Stephen McNeil has announced a cabinet shuffle.

The MLA for Lunenburg, Suzanne Lohnes-Croft will assume her first cabinet role as minister for Communities, Culture and Heritage and Minister of Gaelic Affairs.

Suzanne Lohnes-Croft. Photo credit: Nova Scotia Government

Former Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leo Glavine returns to the health portfolio as Minister of the Department of Health and Wellness. 2017. He will continue on as Minister of Seniors.

Leo Glavine. Photo credit: Nova Scotia Government

Lena Metlege Diab, the MLA for Halifax Armdale, will be serving double duty as well. Currently the Minister of Immigration, Acadian Affairs and Francophonie, Ms. Diab will also take over as Minister of the Department of Labour and Advanced Education.

Lena Metledge Diab. Photo credit: Nova Scotia Government

The final MLA to add a portfolio to their existing responsibilities is Sydney-Whitney Pier MLA Derek Mombourquette. The Minister of Energy and Mines, also becomes Minister of the Department of Lands and Forestry.

Derek Mombourquette. Photo credit: Nova Scotia Government

Former ministers of Health and Wellness, Randy Delorey, Labour and Advanced Education, Labi Kousoulis and Lands and Forestry, Iain Rankin resigned their cabinet posts to run to replace Premier Stephen McNeil as leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal party.

McNeil announced in August he was retiring from politics but would stay on until a new leader was chosen.

Party faithful will decide who will lead the liberals and by default, become premier of Nova Scotia on February 6.

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

Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr. Robert Strang provide COVID-19 update October 6, 2020

Nova Scotia is increasing its COVID-19 testing capacity.

Premier Stephen McNeil says several steps are involved including:

• increasing the lab capacity in Halifax to process 2,500 tests per day
• adding equipment in Sydney so tests in the northern part of the province can be tested locally instead of sending them to Halifax
• moving most of the primary testing centres to larger locations while increasing their hours and staff to speed up the testing process.

McNeil says any excess capacity not being used by Nova Scotians will be offered to neighbouring provinces.

“This is just the next phase of working with the national government to increase the number of testing opportunities in our province. And if they’re not needed here we’ll certainly make them available to the rest of the country,” said the premier.

The IWK Health Centre will also expand to double the capacity in its assessment centre.

Beginning October 7, the IWK will also start using a gargle test to diagnose COVID-19 in children ages 4 – 18.

The province’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang says he’s been hearing from people asking why, when our numbers are so low, we can’t begin to relax some of the restrictions around COVID-19.

Strang says it’s those measures, the hand hygiene, social distancing and 14-day quarantines, which have kept the numbers so low and we need to maintain them.

He reminded Nova Scotians this is not the time to be complacent.

“We’re seeing the second wave in other parts of the country and that second wave is worse because the challenges of controlling large numbers of COVID while keeping things open as much as possible,” said Strang.

He says it’s much easier to control COVID if you have everything locked down.

“And they may have to go there in some of those other parts of Canada,” said Strang. “We’re trying to avoid being in that situation in the first place.”

With Thanksgiving on the horizon this weekend, Strang reminded people their celebrations may have to look a bit different this year.

“So you’re going to have to find ways to have small groups having Thanksgiving dinner together. And if that means a large family has to divide up and have different groups having different meals, I regret that that that’s going to be necessary,” said Strang. “But we can’t relax the rules just for Thanksgiving ‘cause we may well see the impact of this in two weeks if we’re not careful.”

Strang says the current limit is no more than ten people in a close social group without distancing and anyone who is exhibiting any symptoms of COVID should stay away from groups.

He says hosts will have more to think about including frequently cleaning of high touch surfaces like door handles and taking extra precautions in the handling of food.

“It’s important that we don’t have buffet-style service with lots of hands, each touching the same serving utensils. We would ask to have one person designated as a server, serving out individual plates and then passing those plates around, rather than passing around bowls and platters where lots of hands go on those,” said Strang.

Premier McNeil closed the briefing by recognizing that mask fatigue is setting in for some Nova Scotians and we need to continue to follow the public health protocols.

“We can not let our guard down. CODID is relentless and it thrives, quite frankly, on ignorance and arrogance,” said McNeil. “There’s no reason for anyone to be ignorant of this disease, we’ve now been dealing with for eight months and these public health protocols in front of us. And arrogance is not a way Nova Scotians react to anything.”

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