HALIFAX - The province's Chief Medical Officer of Health is warning Nova Scotians that COVID-19 has made a comeback around the province over the past month. 

In a 'media availability' shared to Telile Community Television by Communications Nova Scotia and the Province of Nova Scotia, Dr. Robert Strang confirmed that, while the summer's COVID-19 caseload was "low," his office and the province are taking action to deal with a rash of cases that have arisen throughout October. 

For example, the provincial Department of Health and Wellness has reinstated mask mandates for its hospitals, doctors' offices and similar facilities, and a new COVID-19 booster vaccine is being made available to those aged 65 and older, with follow-up vaccinations to be scheduled for all other Nova Scotians later this fall. 

Dr. Strang noted that his office is once again stepping up its vigilance during what is normally considered the respiratory virus season. To that end, he is urging Nova Scotia residents to receive their influenza shots this year, while reminding the public that masks are recommended for those who are out in public and showing any symptoms of COVID-19, influenza, RSV or similar conditions. 

Also on this week's TELILE 24/7: 

* 27:24 - Nova Scotia's Finance Department has given Richmond County high marks in its annual draft report card for municipalities in terms of their budget management. However, District Two Councillor Michael Diggdon noted that the municipality still has work to do on collecting property taxes, an issue that has been top-of-mind for Diggdon since his election to council three years ago. 

* 32:04 - Despite warnings from Port Hawkesbury's Chief Administrative Officer and Director of Finance about the $50,000 price tag for a new piece of mowing and mulching equipment, several town councillors still feel the purchase is necessary to put an end to what they describe as poor-quality maintenance of fields and grass in some of the most prominent parts of town.