Many of the COVID-19 restrictions that were in place just for the Halifax-area have ended and new regulations have kicked in province-wide. Here’s a detailed look at the rules we have to follow over the holidays.
Travel
The province continues to advise against unnecessary travel over the holidays, but there’s no longer a recommendation specifically around travel into and out of areas of HRM and Hants County.
“We know for lots of people, the holiday often means travel within the province to visit family,” Dr. Robert Strang said. “We’re not telling you that you can’t, we’re asking you to think twice about it.”
Those who choose to travel are asked to drive there directly and not make any unnecessary stops.
“And when you get there, stay there,” added Premier Stephen McNeil.
If you leave the province, you will need to abide by the regulations of the jurisdiction you are visiting, which may include registration and/or self-isolation.
Anyone who leaves Atlantic Canada for non-essential reasons will likely need to self-isolate for 14 days upon return to Nova Scotia. Adults and post-secondary students will also need to complete a Nova Scotia Safe Check-in Form (self-declaration) before they arrive.
Gathering limits for casual socializing
We are now allowed to have a close social group of up to ten people without physical distancing.
“This group is typically the people you live with and maybe a few more,” Strang explained. “You should try to keep this group consistent … it should not be one group today, another group tomorrow, and a third group in a couple of days.”
The number of people you can have in a home is also limited to ten.
“If there are more than ten people in your home, that’s fine, nobody needs to move out, but unfortunately that means you can’t have visitors,” Strang said.
Faith gatherings, wedding ceremonies and funeral services
The maximum number of people who can gather for weddings, funerals or religious ceremonies is 150 if it’s outside. If it’s inside, it’s 50 per cent of the venue’s capacity to a maximum of 100.
“These events must be held by a recognized business or organization, and all of the other COVID-19 protocols — physical distancing outside of the close groups of ten, handwashing, screening, etc. — must be in place,” said Strang.
However, large gatherings following any of these ceremonies are not currently allowed.
“So for the next three weeks, we are considering weddings and funeral receptions to be special events, which are not allowed,” he added.
“If you do want a reception, it will need to be with ten or less people at a home.”
Festivals, special events, arts/cultural events and sports events
There will be no special events for at least the next three weeks, which includes sports, arts and culture events, but practices and rehearsals are allowed with a maximum of 25 people.
“That means groups of up to 25 can practice, train or rehearse together without physical distancing, but there can be no games, tournaments or performances,” Strang explained.
Long-term care homes
Dr. Robert Strang said long-term care residents will not be allowed to go home to visit their families this holiday season.
“There is just too much risk of them bringing COVID back into the facility,” he stated.
“However, we recognize the importance of socialization and connecting with family for residents in long-term care facilities for their overall health and well being,” he added.
That means each resident will now be allowed to have two designated caregivers and facilities can now allow a limited number of visitors.
“This will be in small numbers, which means that they may not be able to accommodate having every family member there at once,” Strang explained.
“Each facility will manage the scheduling and the number of visitors based on their capacities, and we ask families to be understanding and patient with each of the homes they may want to visit.”
Restaurants and casinos
Casinos in the Halifax-area remain closed until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 10.
Restaurants and licensed establishments also remain closed to in-person dining until that time. They can continue to offer takeout and delivery.
The affected area includes the western half of Halifax Regional Municipality, along with Elmsdale, Enfield and Mount Uniacke.
“What we need to do is reduce the chances that the virus has to spread between people,” Strang explained.
“So in restaurants and licensed establishments, we need to reduce the longer social interactions where people are not wearing masks because they’re eating and drinking.”
However, food courts in malls are allowed to reopen.
“We do know that people who are under-housed or homeless, often the only warm place they have during the winter are public places like malls,” Strang said. “So that’s why we are asking them to (reopen) food courts.”
If you’re heading elsewhere in the province over the holidays, restaurants and licensed establishments outside of the Halifax-area must stop service by 10 p.m. and close by 11 p.m.
Fitness facilities
Fitness facilities in the Halifax area, like gyms and yoga studios, are allowed to reopen, but must operate at 50 per cent capacity for in-person activities with physical distancing.
Virtual and outdoor classes are allowed with physical distancing.
“We are requiring that these fitness facilities and studios keep a three metre or close to ten feet distance between participants who are involved in high intensity activities, like a spin or boxing class,” said Strang.
“And in all fitness facilities and studios, masks must be worn, except for when people are actually exercising.”
Hair salons and spas
Hair salons and spas in the Halifax area can resume providing services that require the removal of a mask.
Retail businesses
Retail businesses in the Halifax area will need to continue operating at 25 per cent of their capacity, and that rule has now been expanded across the province.
“This will help avoid crowds forming during a period when there is traditionally a lot of shopping,” Strang said.
As mentioned above in the restaurant section, food courts in malls are allowed to reopen.
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, museums and libraries
Museums, libraries and the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia are all allowed to reopen at full capacity in the Halifax area.
“But they have to maintain all the COVID precautions around physical distancing and the other public health measures,” said Strang.
