Nova Scotia Relaxes COVID Rules
While the coronavirus pandemic is raging to the west and beyond, Nova Scotia enjoys rather stable numbers of infection, leading the province to ease public health restrictions. The changes come into effect Monday, February 8th for events and other gatherings.
Premier Stephen McNeil says, "We have been seeing a low number of new cases daily and that allows us to ease some restrictions, while keeping public health measures like wearing masks and distancing in place.”
Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Medical Officer of Health, said, "As we start to be more social again, with events, it's important for Nova Scotians to continue all the layers of protection — wash hands, wear masks, practise physical distance, stay home when you're sick, and get tested.
Effective 12 am February 8 until 11:59 pm March 7:
- retail businesses can operate at 75 per cent capacity
- fitness facilities can operate at 75 per cent capacity and must maintain three metres between people during high-intensity activities both indoors and outdoors
- recognized businesses and organizations can resume hosting events with 150 people outdoors, or 50 per cent of a venue's capacity to a maximum of 100 indoors
- these events must stop any food or alcohol service by 10 pm and end by 11 pm
- these events include social events, arts and culture, sport and recreation, special events, festivals, faith gatherings, weddings with receptions, and funerals with visitation and receptions
- these events include bingo, darts, and other similar activities hosted by licensed and unlicensed establishments
- these gathering limits also apply to meetings and training hosted by private businesses or organizations, provincial and municipal government, first responder organizations, mental health and addictions support groups, and organized clubs
- organized clubs can host activities for all ages and follow the day camp guidelines to have cohorts of up to 15 within the larger indoor or outdoor gathering limit
- spectators are allowed at events, including sports games and practices and arts and culture rehearsals and performances, except when they are held at schools
- large facilities that already have approved plans can resume hosting events with multiple groups of 100 that are kept separate with their own entrances and exits and their own washrooms
- Centre 200 in Sydney and Scotiabank Centre in Halifax can have multiple groups of 150
The general gathering limit remains 10 which applies to household and informal gatherings and events that are not hosted by a recognized business or organization.
No Change
There is no change to hours for restaurants and licensed establishments. They must stop service at 10 pm and close at 11 pm. There will be no exceptions to close later when there are special sports events, such as Super Bowl. These hours also apply to all types of gatherings hosted by recognized businesses and organizations.
Sports teams and individual competitors are still restricted to playing and competing with other teams and people with whom they routinely play or compete.
Quick Facts
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