HALIFAX — COVID-19 case counts rose on Friday in Nova Scotia, and one of the province's largest universities announced it would require students on sports teams or living in residence to be vaccinated.

Nova Scotia public health reported 10 new infections, bringing that province's active case count to 41. 

Meanwhile, Saint Mary's University in Halifax said the mandatory vaccination order 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.

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

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. 

On Friday, New Brunswick health officials reported another 34 new infections across five health zones, bringing the total active case count to 152. Of the new cases, 30 involved people who weren't fully vaccinated.

Newfoundland and Labrador reported two new confirmed cases Friday, both of which were 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