Premier Iain Rankin and Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health, announced today, July 12, that Nova Scotia will start the fourth phase of its reopening plan on Wednesday, July 14.
“We’re pleased with vaccination rates and our epidemiology continues to improve, putting us in a good position to move to Phase 4 of our reopening plan,” said Premier Rankin. “This doesn’t mean we can let our guard down, but it does mean we can enjoy larger gatherings and support businesses by exploring all that Nova Scotia has to offer this summer.”
Each phase of the reopening plan is based on COVID-19 activity, hospitalizations, vaccination rates and continued testing. Heading into Phase 4, 75 per cent of all Nova Scotians have had one or more doses of vaccine, several thousand tests are being done daily, new case numbers are typically in single digits each day and hospitalizations are decreasing.
“We continue to encourage everyone to get two doses of vaccine as soon as possible. That is the key to continuing our reopening and getting to a stage where restrictions can end,” said Dr. Strang. “Until then, we need to continue protecting each other by following these public health measures and getting tested regularly.”
There are no changes to Nova Scotia’s border policy as Phase 4 begins. Effective 8 a.m., July 14, the following restrictions are being eased provincewide:
Gatherings
people can have informal gatherings with their household members and close social contacts to a maximum of 25 indoors or 50 outdoors without physical distancing or masks, unless they are in a public place where masks are required
faith gatherings, weddings, funerals and associated receptions and visitation hosted by a recognized business or organization can have 50 per cent capacity to a maximum of 150 people indoors or 250 people outdoors
Business
restaurants, licensed establishments and casinos continue to operate with existing mask and distancing rules; there can be up to 25 people per table; customers can go to the bar to order; establishments can return to their normal service hours; they can have performers following the limit for arts and culture performances
events hosted by a recognized business or organization can have 50 per cent capacity to a maximum of 150 people indoors or 250 people outdoors; organizers need a plan following guidelines for events
people can follow the informal gathering limit for dancing together at events and at bars or restaurants, with distance between groups; the indoor limit applies to dancing indoors and on patios at bars or restaurants
all retail stores can operate at maximum capacity with public health measures in place, including distancing and masks
meetings and training hosted by a recognized business or organization can have 50 per cent capacity to a maximum of 150 people indoors or 250 people outdoors
The full press release from the Gov of Nova Scotia can be viewed here.
Hopefully this is a sign that lodges will soon be able to meet again.
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