Gonna be honest, I didn’t see the announcement yesterday coming but I’m glad it did!
As of this Monday, Nova Scotian’s will no longer be required by Public Health to show proof of vaccination and by March 21, all restrictions are due to be dropped.
Here is how it breaks down:
On Monday, March 7, at 12:01am Phase 2 will begin with the following restrictions in effect:
Gathering Limits
- the informal gathering limit will be 25 people from the same household or close social group indoors and 50 outdoors
- the formal gathering limit will be 75 per cent capacity, with physical distancing as much as possible, for gatherings hosted by a recognized business or organization such as special events, sports, receptions, performances, movie theatres, meetings, training, weddings, funerals and faith gatherings
- large venues can operate at 75 per cent capacity, up to 5,000 people, with physical distancing as much as possible.
Businesses
- licensed establishments, restaurants and casinos can return to regular hours and operate at 75 per cent capacity, with physical distancing as much as possible
- VLTs can continue operating with two metres of physical distance between people at machines
- fitness and recreation facilities and recreation and leisure businesses can operate at 75 per cent capacity, with physical distancing as much as possible
- personal services businesses (like hair salons, barber shops, spas, nail salons and body art establishments) can operate at full capacity, with physical distancing as much as possible; services that require removing masks can be offered
- retail stores and malls can operate at full capacity (shoppers and staff) with physical distancing
Sports; Arts and Culture
- sports teams can have practices, games, competitions and tournaments with up to 60 participants, including players and officials; spectators are allowed, following the formal gathering limit
- performing arts can have rehearsals, performances and competitions with up to 60 participants, including performers and crew; spectators are allowed, following the formal gathering limit
- libraries and museums can operate at full capacity, with physical distancing.
Masks
- masks continue to be required in indoor public places; they can be lowered or removed for things like eating and drinking or doing a physical activity that’s difficult while wearing a mask
- people can resume lowering their masks to eat or drink in their seats at sports games, movies, concerts and other events.
During Phase 2, people who test positive for COVID-19 will still be required to self-isolate but they will no longer be required to notify close contacts outside their own household.
At acute-care and long-term care facilities, restrictions on visitation and in other areas will be determined through infection control and occupational health processes at each facility.
At public schools, current restrictions will remain in place until the end of March break which is March 18.
On Monday, March 21, at 12:01am Phase 3 begins. On that day all provincial COVID-19 restrictions will be removed, including at schools.
The last daily news release on COVID-19 data will be issued March 4 and will be replaced by a weekly release.
