Today's COVID briefing was scheduled to start a 3; I'll live-blog it here whenever it actually starts.
Honestly, if it were my last day on the job, I'd already be at the tavern.
I wrote this about McNeil and COVID this morning: 
We're about to start.
McNeil repeats today's numbers.
McNeil: we're going to lift some restrictions; "the science is good."
Gathering limits increased to 100 indoors and 150 outdoors, but groups of 10 must still be kept. And if there's any change in the # of cases, we'll reverse course.
McNeil: covid has disproportionately affected women.
McNeil: $5 million goes to Sandpiper Ventures, the all-female venture capital fund.
Venture capitalists will save us. [/snark]
Strang: the numbers are good. I know that covid prevention fatigue is real, but we gotta keep at it.
Strang: we still need lots of asymptomatic testing. Consider making testing part of your ongoing protocols, especially if you run in with a lot of people at work or socially.
Strang: we urge students to stay here for spring break. If you do travel, you have to self-isolate, etc.
Strang: starting Monday, retail business and gyms can operate at 75% (up from 50%).
Businesses can increase to 150 outdoors, or 50% of capacity indoors, up to 100 people. This includes sports, so for spectators, bingo,, etc.
Bars still have to stop serving at 10 and close at 11.
Here's the press release on easing of restrictions; rely on this rather than my tweets: novascotia.ca/news/release/?…
Strang: but no spectators in school events.
Strang: but if it's outside, then that's cool.
Strang: the general gathering limit stays at 10.
Strang: you can't stay open later for the super bowl.
Strang: we're not going to let the late-night boozers spread the disease. That's why the bars still have to close early, and still no house parties.
Strang: when the delivery driver comes to your house, wear a mask. (People are fogetting)
I asked McNeil why, if he is most concerned about getting women back to work, that $5 million wasn't simply spent to reduce the cost of child care. McNeil kind of dodged the question, and said he's a big fan of capitalism.
And hey, we live in a capitalist society, so access to capital IS an issue, but if we were really concerned about it, venture capitalism is a very inefficient way to address it. We could start with a provincial bank, or creating usury laws, for example.
Briefing is over.
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