Stephen McNeil

As of today, Dec. 11, Nova Scotia has 65 active cases of COVID-19. Nine new cases are being reported today. Three cases are in Western Zone. Two of the cases are close contacts of previously reported cases. The other case is under investigation. One case is in Northern Zone and is under investigation.... Five of the cases are in Central Zone. Two of the cases are related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada. The people are self-isolating as required. One case is a close contact of a previously reported case. One case is under investigation. Also, a school-based case was identified today, Dec. 11, at Shannon Park Elementary in Dartmouth. The school has been closed since a previous case was announced and students are now expected to return on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Students will continue to learn from home during the closure and families will receive an update on Tuesday, Dec. 15.

Today, Canada’s premiers and prime minister met virtually to discuss health-care funding, the pandemic response and vaccine rollout across our country. My fellow premiers and I are united in calling on the federal government to play a more active role in financing the delivery of health care across Canada. I was pleased that the prime minister acknowledged the federal government needs to spend more, and I look forward to continuing the conversation about what a modernized national healthcare system could look like.

Although we cannot gather like usual, I know Nova Scotians celebrating #Hanukkah will find new, meaningful ways to enjoy the festive season. Sending my best wishes for a joyous, safe, and healthy holiday. Chag Sameach!

As of today, Dec. 10, Nova Scotia has 64 active cases of COVID-19. Four new cases are being reported today. One case is in Eastern Zone and is related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada. The person has been self-isolating as required. Three of the cases are in Central Zone. One is a close contact of a previously reported case. One case is under investigation. The other case is connected to Tallahassee Community School, a pre-primary to grade 3 school in Eastern Passage.... The person was not in school today and is self-isolating. The school will close to allow for deep cleaning, testing and contact tracing, and is expected to reopen to students on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Students will learn from home during the closure and families of the school will receive an update on Tuesday, Dec. 15. Seeing lower case numbers is good news, but it does not mean we can let our guard down. We know how fast this virus can move. We have worked so hard to contain it let’s not falter as we get closer to the vaccine being available. We need to continue to be kind to one another, support one another and recognize that when we follow public health protocols, we are actually protecting each other. For more information, visit https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20201210001.

Access to virtual care has become increasingly important as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. That’s why we’re further extending access to virtual care options like telephone and videoconferencing for patients and doctors. More info: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20201209002