HALIFAX — COVID-19 case counts are growing in Nova Scotia, and one of the province's largest universities is requiring students on sports teams or living in residence to be vaccinated.

Saint Mary's University in Halifax made the announcement today, as public health reported 10 new infections, bringing Nova Scotia's total active case count to 41.

The university says the mandatory vaccinations for residence students, varsity and club sport student-athletes and campus staff and coaches will be combined with heightened health and safety protocols this fall.

Saint Mary's says the targeted groups must be vaccinated by Oct. 15, adding that it may extend the requirements to others on campus in the future.

Mount Allison University in Sackville, N.B., said Thursday it would require its students, faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 1 or be subject to regular testing.

Most of the new cases being announced in Nova Scotia are related to travel or involve close contacts of the travellers, but there are several cases still under investigation.

Newfoundland and Labrador is reporting two new confirmed cases today, both of which are related to travel. The province has 14 active reported cases.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 20, 2021.

The Canadian Press