Last week’s update from the province showed a daily average of about 600 new COVID-19 cases. At least five cases have been confirmed at Province House, including four MLAs and one staff member, since the spring meeting began on March 24. “I know a lot of people want to push the panic button [but] “I’m nowhere near that button,” Houston told reporters at the Province House. On Tuesday, Nova Scotia Health reported that 625 of its employees were laid off because they were either positive, waiting for a test or having close contact. To mitigate staff shortages and the impact on service delivery, the health authority announced changes to protocols last week that would allow staff to return to work earlier. The prime minister said he was continuing to work with public health officials to monitor the situation. Houston said he is trying to balance a number of factors, including pressures on the health care system, people’s physical health and their mental health. “I believe the Nova Scotians have the tools they need to stay safe,” he said. “I do not think it is necessary for the government to issue orders today, based on the information we have today.” NDP leader Gary Burrill would like to see COVID-19 data released more than once a week. (Jean Laroche / CBC)
Opposition groups called for Houston to meet with Dr. Robert Strang, the county chief medical officer. NDP leader Gary Burrill said he would like to see a return to the data reported more than once a week. He said the NDP would support any position promoted by Public Health. “When we are asked to make our own decisions and take responsibility for our own healthcare, it makes sense for people to ask for enough information so that they can actually fulfill that responsibility,” he said on Tuesday. Liberal leader Iain Rankin told reporters he believes Houston should reinstate the mask at least until the end of April and extend test options. “The only answer [we’re getting] There is a lot of virus activity in the communities. “Does not that mean we should listen to public health professionals and listen to the tried and tested techniques we use?” he said. Liberal leader Iain Rankin would like to see the mask return returned. (Michael Gorman / CBC)

The decision for the masks in the schools is still coming

Houston attributed the county’s high rate of positivity to the volume of tests conducted in Nova Scotia and the transmissibility of the Omicron variant. While delaying any changes to commands or protocols, one area the government will have to decide soon is the use of masks in schools. Education Minister Becky Druhan said in an interview that the school mask order would remain in place at least until the Easter weekend break. Druhan said her department officials are working with Public Health on what happens after the weekend. “We have followed the public health guidelines throughout the pandemic and will continue to do so,” he said. The minister said attendance rates had remained “fairly stable” since returning to class from the winter break and that this also applies to staffing levels. In cases where there was a shortage of staff, Druhan said the schools relied on the replacement team and in some cases on staff from the regional offices. The government has also recently made changes to allow student teachers to take on secondary work. MORE TOP STORIES