COVID-19 restrictions that were imposed last week and set to last until March 26 will be lifted earlier than anticipated.
The Nova Scotia Health Authority announced today that the restrictions which limited restaurant hours, prohibited sports games and limited travel to and from the HRM will now be lifted on March 5.
“Last week we were worried about increased case numbers in Halifax but what we are seeing this week warrants lifting some restrictions early,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “I know that restrictions can have a significant impact on businesses but safety is always the first priority, and I want to thank Nova Scotians for following public health advice as that has allowed us to ease them earlier. Thank you for doing your part to keep yourself, your family and your communities safe.”
During a press briefing on Tuesday Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr.Robert Strang said the new restrictions were imposed because of a spike in cases and an increase in variant strains.
To combat this the government encouraged mass testing across the province and in the past two weeks they have set record highs for tests completed in a day on four separate occasions.
Armed with more testing data and after seeing the case numbers drop off Dr.Strang says the situation is more stable now and as such the restriction timeline was pushed up.
As of March 5, at 8 a.m. the following activities will be allowed:
- Travel in and out of HRM and surrounding municipalities
- Participants and officials in performing arts and sports (recreational, amateur, and professional) can gather in groups of up to 60 people without social distancing for rehearsals, performances, practices, and a regular competitive schedule
- Spectators at performing arts and sports will be allowed as long as the host facilities have a gathering plan
- The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development will reopen public school gyms for after-school use on March 6
- Restaurants and bars will return to previous dine-in service requirements, with service stopped by 10 p.m. and close by 11 p.m.
- Weddings and funeral in a faith facility or funeral homes can have 150 people outdoors or 50 per cent of capacity to a maximum of 100 indoors. Receptions and visitations continue to be not permitted in HRM and surrounding municipalities
Of the restrictions imposed last Friday only one will remain in effect. That being the requirement for residents of long-term care facilities to only have visits from their two designated caregivers and can only leave the facility for medical appointments or for a drive with a designated caregiver. This restriction remains in effect until March 27 in HRM and surrounding municipalities.
Although the restrictions are set to be lifted early in some cases their impact is irreversible with many sports leagues deciding to cancel their seasons based on the original timeline that was presented.
