On today's Tantramar Report:
The so-called Freedom Convoy protests in Ottawa have inspired some Sackville residents to take to the streets, though with signs targeting mask policies in schools instead of vaccine mandates.
A dozen anti-mask protesters gathered Thursday morning on Main Street at the entrance to Tantramar Regional High School. Holding signs saying “Unmask the children, end all mandates” and “freedom now” the small group marched down to Mallard Drive and back to the school before dispersing.
Local journalist Bruce Wark was there on Thursday morning, and spoke to some of the protesters. On today’s Tantramar Report we hear some of those voices talking about their concerns about masks, and calling for people to “do [their] own research.” [Check out Warktimes.com coverage here.]
We then revisit some masking advice from a medical researcher who has been studying mask filtration and PPE throughout the pandemic.
We’ll also get the update from pharmacist Charles Beaver about recent changes to eligibility for booster shots.
And finally, we’ll take a listen to what some councillors are thinking about Councillor Bill Evans’s proposal for a boycott of further participation in amalgamation.
Plus, CHMA’s daily news and information briefs:
Provincial COVID and Drew Nursing Home update
Public Health reported three COVID-related deaths on Thursday, bringing New Brunswick’s total during the pandemic to 278. The number of people in hospital with the virus reached 140, including 15 people receiving intensive care and eight people on a ventilator. COVID-19 restrictions are expected to loosen in New Brunswick on Friday, February 18 at midnight.
In Sackville, the Drew Nursing Home reported another positive case of COVID-19 among its staff on Thursday. Linda Shannon, executive director of the facility, previously told CHMA there have been 13 recent cases among staff but most are back to work. Nine residents at the Drew Nursing Home recently tested positive for COVID-19, though some have recovered; that number remained unchanged by Thursday, Shannon said in an email.
Across New Brunswick, there are 52 nursing homes with active cases of COVID-19, according to Rebecca Howland, a spokesperson for the Department of Social Development. Of those facilities, approximately 25 have been classified as outbreaks, she said.
Fredericton closing streets in advance of protest
Ahead of a protest against COVID restrictions planned this weekend in Fredericton, police have announced street closures in the provincial capital. In a message on social media, Fredericton Police asked members of the public to “avoid the protest area unless absolutely necessary.”
Snowplow names are the new sourdough/Wordle
The Town of Sackville is following the lead of public works departments around the world and choosing to insert a little fun into the sometimes monumental task of snow clearing. The town is asking for help from the public in naming its newest vehicle, a snow plow truck. The winner of the naming contest will win a ride in the truck. You can take part by leaving your suggestion on a post about the new plow truck on the Town of Sackville’s Facebook page.
Climate Change week wrap-up events
Tantramar Climate Change Week wraps up today with events including a talk by the Town of Sackville’s climate change coordinator Kirsti Mrazek. She’ll be speaking about the effects of climate change on the oceans, and what’s being done about it. That free online event is happening between noon and 1 p.m. The final event of the week is Climate Change Virtual Trivia Night, taking place at 7 p.m. For more information, go to EosEcoenergy.com.