Mark Furey MLA

Today, May 10th, we are announcing 121 new COVID-19 cases. A decline in cases is a good sign, but it doesn't mean we're in the clear. It means that we need to keep up the hard work. Stay home, only go out if necessary, and closely follow ALL the public health restrictions.... -94 cases in Central Zone -16 cases in Eastern Zone -5 cases in Northern Zone -6 in Western Zone -1,655 Active Cases -58 hospitalizations People aged 45 and older can now book appointments for Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines at clinics across the province. People aged 40 - 64 can now book appointments for the AstraZeneca vaccine. COVID-19 vaccination appointments must be made online at https://www.novascotia.ca/vaccination or by phone at 1-833-797-7772. Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing has reopened at the primary assessment centres across the province. To book an appointment, visit: https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en The following people can and should continue to book tests: -- anyone with symptoms -- anyone who has been notified that they are a close contact of a known case -- anyone who has been at an exposure location -- anyone who has travelled outside Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador Nova Scotians are strongly encouraged to use pop-up sites if they are not showing symptoms but want to be tested. Rapid testing pop-up sites continue to be set up around the province. More information on testing can be found at https://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting Stay Safe & Stay Home.-

New border measures took effect today, May 10, to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Only permanent residents of Nova Scotia and people travelling for essentia...l reasons can enter the province. People can apply for an exception if they have: -- a purchase or sale agreement for a property purchase in 2021 showing that an offer has been accepted on or before April 21 and closing date is on or before May 20 -- a minimum one-year lease signed on or before April 21 and beginning on or before May 20 -- a letter of acceptance for new employment in Nova Scotia that cannot be done virtually or deferred; the letter must be dated on or before May 7 Instructions for applying for an exception will be posted at: https://novascotia.ca/coronavir/restrictions-and-guidance/.

As Deputy Premier Regan has said, In these extraordinary times, we must ensure that community resources like food banks are supported. Today, we announced $1.3 million to support & maintain food security in this 3rd wave. This will support Feed Nova Scotia’s Emergency Food Box Program, Family Resource Centres, and smaller food banks across the province.... No one should go hungry and this support will help fund programs many Nova Scotians rely on to put food on the table. For more information visit: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20210510003

Hey folks, there is COVID-19 RAPID TESTING available this week - May 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14 at the Bridgewater Cineplex, 349 Lahave St (DIRECTIONS) from 2 to 7 p.m. Rapid testing is offered for people who:... -Are over 16 -do not have symptoms -have not travelled -have not visited a potential exposure location -have not been in contact with someone who has tested positive This is a great opportunity for all residents of Lunenburg County over the age of 16 and without symptoms to come and to get tested -Click the link below for more info.-

Today, May 9th, we are announcing 165 new COVID-19 cases. It is extremely important we stay home, only go out if necessary, and closely follow ALL the public health restrictions. 138 cases in Central Zone... 16 cases in Eastern Zone 5 cases in Northern Zone 6 in Western Zone 1,626 Active Cases 50 hospitalizations People aged 45 and older can now book appointments for Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines at clinics across the province. People aged 40 - 64 can now book appointments for the AstraZeneca vaccine. COVID-19 vaccination appointments must be made online at https://www.novascotia.ca/vaccination or by phone at 1-833-797-7772. Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing has reopened at the primary assessment centres across the province. To book an appointment, visit: https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en The following people can and should continue to book tests: -- anyone with symptoms -- anyone who has been notified that they are a close contact of a known case -- anyone who has been at an exposure location -- anyone who has travelled outside Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador Nova Scotians are strongly encouraged to use pop-up sites if they are not showing symptoms but want to be tested. Rapid testing pop-up sites continue to be set up around the province. More information on testing can be found at https://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting Stay Safe & Stay Home.

I want to wish all mothers out there a Happy Mothers Day! I know that its hard for many families that they can’t get together this weekend, but I hope that wherever you are today you get to spend some precious moments connecting with your momwhether its a phone call or video chat on zoom. Best wishes to all moms on this special day and know that you are appreciated for all that you do!

Due to a few recent low-risk potential exposures and positive cases in the communities in and around the South Shore, Public Health is recommending asymptomatic COVID-19 testing at the following sites this: Saturday, Sunday, and Monday Gateway Plaza (200-215 Dominion St, Bridgewater)... 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Lunenburg Municipal Building (210 Aberdeen Rd, Bridgewater) 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Community members can book a test at these locations by visiting https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en or calling 811.

Congratulations to former Seahawks....Ryan Gee, Rylan Macumber, Hayden Murray and Chandler Zinck-Marier for making the 2021 Provincial U-18 Team!

As part of African Heritage Month, The Black Atlantic Experience is a video series that highlights the stories, challenges, and triumphs of some of Atlantic Canada’s emerging Black leaders. Trevor Silver grew up in North Preston, Nova Scotia, which has the largest Black community in our province and the highest concentration of African Canadians of any community in the country. As a youth, he felt the people of his community were boxed in by the stereotype’s others placed on them. Guided by his entrepreneurial relatives and other role models, he knew he could do more with his life than what was expected of him. Now, Trevor has a thriving clothing brand that inspires others to reach for success. He shares his story so others can see what’s possible: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbXZ4KhyIlg&t=35s

Today on Heritage Day, we celebrate Lt. Edward Arab who was a soldier of the Second World War, a lawyer and grandson of some of the earliest Lebanese immigrants to Nova Scotia. He fought for equality, for human rights and for our country where he made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Learn more about Lt. Arab: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20210212001

The Lumberjacks are back in action at the LCLC this afternoon! What a great way to spend Heritage Day.... also celebrated throughout Canada as Family Day!

Thrilled to see a few community events happening next week - They are promoting social distancing and safe practices. Don't miss out on Seedy Saturday coming up on FEBRUARY 20TH at the Desbrisay Museum! Learn more at: https://www.markfurey.ca//15th-annual-seedy-saturday-desb/

As of today, Feb. 14, Nova Scotia has 9 active cases of COVID-19. One new case is being reported today. The case is in Eastern Zone and is related to travel outside Atlantic Canada. The person is self-isolating, as required. "This Valentine's Day, lets show each other love by following the public health protocols put in place to keep each other safe. COVID-19 is still here and we can't let our guard down," said Premier Stephen McNeil. Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 1,429 Nova Scotia tests on Feb. 13. Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 180,212 tests. There have been 504 positive COVID-19 cases and no deaths. One person is currently in hospital, in ICU. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 70. Four hundred and ninety-five cases are now resolved. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.

Today marks the first of eight days of the celebration of Hanukkah. Best Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday Season and a New Year filled with Peace and Happiness. Happy Hanukkah!

Come check out the Magical Gnome Trail at Glen Allan Park! You'll find winter gnomes and other surprises along the way that will put a smile on your face!

Nova Scotia will receive its first allotment of 1,950 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine next week and will begin with immunizing health-care workers most dir...ectly involved in the COVID-19 response in Central Zone, as soon as the vaccine is approved by Health Canada. Health-care workers to be immunized first include those working in COVID-19 care units, Regional Care Units and intensive care units that care for COVID-19 patients. The focus for December is Central Zone, as the Pfizer vaccine cannot be moved around the province given its strict storage, handling and transportation requirements. The Pfizer vaccine must be stored at -70 C. Doses of the Moderna vaccine are also expected to begin arriving this month. They must be stored at -20 C, which is like many other vaccines The province is expected to receive a total of 150,000 doses in small, weekly allotments beginning the week of Dec. 15 and into the first three months of 2021. The vaccine is administered in two doses. Like most other provinces, Nova Scotia is following the National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) guidance on COVID-19 vaccine. During the first three months of 2021, the focus will be to immunize: -- long-term care residents and staff -- seniors who live in the community beginning with those who are over 80 years of age, then people over 75 and then people over 70. -- health-care workers directly involved in patient care -- La Nouvelle-Écosse recevra son premier lot de 1950 doses du vaccin contre la COVID-19 de Pfizer la semaine prochaine. Les premières personnes à recevoir le vaccin, dès qu'il sera approuvé par Santé Canada, seront les travailleurs de la santé qui offrent directement des soins liés à la COVID-19 dans le secteur du centre. Les travailleurs de la santé qui recevront le vaccin en priorité incluent ceux qui travaillent dans les unités de soins de la COVID-19, les unités régionales de soins et les unités de soins intensifs qui soignent les patients atteints de la COVID-19. En décembre les efforts seront initialement concentrés dans le secteur du centre en raison des exigences rigoureuses d'entreposage, de manutention et de transport du vaccin de Pfizer. Il doit être entreposé à -70 degrés Celsius. On prévoit également recevoir des doses du vaccin de Moderna ce mois-ci. Ce vaccin doit être entreposé à -20 degrés Celsius, comme de nombreux autres vaccins. Le gouvernement provincial prévoit recevoir un petit lot de vaccins chaque semaine à compter de la semaine du 15 décembre et pendant les trois premiers mois de 2021, pour un total de 150 000 doses. Le vaccin est administré en deux doses. Comme la plupart des autres provinces, la Nouvelle-Écosse suivra les conseils du Comité consultatif national de l'immunisation (CCNI) concernant le vaccin contre la COVID-19. Au cours des trois premiers mois de l'année 2021, le vaccin sera offert aux personnes suivantes : -- Résidents et personnel des établissements de soins de longue durée -- Personnes âgées qui vivent dans la collectivité, en débutant par les personnes de plus de 80 ans, puis les personnes de plus de 75 ans, et enfin les personnes de plus de 70 ans -- Travailleurs de la santé qui offrent directement des soins aux patients

As of today, Dec. 8, Nova Scotia has 78 active cases of COVID-19. Seven new cases are being reported today. Two cases are in Western Zone and are close contacts of previously reported cases. One case is in Northern Zone and is related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada. The person has been self-isolating as required. Four cases are in Central Zone. Two are close contacts of previously reported cases. One case is under investigation. The other case is connected to Shannon Pa...rk Elementary in Dartmouth. The person was not in school today and is self-isolating. The school will remain closed to students until Monday, Dec. 14 to allow for deep cleaning, testing and contact tracing. Students will learn from home during the closure. Students and families of the school will receive an update on the weekend. As with any positive case, public health will be in touch with any close contacts of this case and advise of next steps. Everyone who is a close contact will be notified, tested and asked to self-isolate for 14 days. Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 840 Nova Scotia tests on Dec. 7.Nova Scotia will report rapid-testing pop-up numbers weekly, starting this Friday. Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 77,915 tests. There have been 294 positive COVID-19 cases and no deaths. No one is currently in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 70. Two hundred and sixteen cases are now resolved. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.

If you have a couple of hours to spare you might want to consider volunteering for the Christmas Kettle Campaign, the Salvation Army's biggest annual fundraiser that does so much good for our community! It's on until December 24. They've had a tremendous response from volunteers, but still have quite a few gaps. (You don’t have to be a member of the Salvation Army to help out.) Shifts are 2 hours and volunteers will be provided a mask to wear. This year’s Christmas Kettle Coordinators are Lynne McDormand (pictured here) and Ella Rafuse. If interested in volunteering call or text Lynn at 902-521-6087.