Dr. Robert Strang; courtesy Communications NS
Halifax and the surrounding area is going back into lockdown.
A slew of new restrictions are coming into effect, and Dr. Robert Strang, the province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, says it’s in response to rapidly increasing COVID-19 numbers.
Doctor Strang says COVID-19 variants are to blame, and there is community spread in Halifax and the surrounding suburban communities.
“We’re seeing easier transmission, we’re also seeing, which we know, these variants are significantly more infectious, more able to spread from person to person,” he says. “The increased infectiousness and the speed at which this can go in cycles of transmission make this more challenging to stay out in front of.”
Doctor Strang says that’s why they’re making masks mandatory in schools for kids of all ages starting Apr. 23.
He says only essential travel is allowed in and out of Halifax and the surrounding communities, and announced many new restrictions for that area:
-a gathering limit of five both indoors and outdoors
-restaurants are closed to seated service, may provide take-out only
-stores and malls are restricted to 25 per cent capacity
-personal services are closed
-unregulated health professions are closed, except for continuing care workers, home-care workers, ocularists and podiatrists
-no social events, special events, festivals, arts/cultural events, sports events, faith gatherings, wedding receptions, or funeral visitation or receptions
-wedding and funeral ceremonies hosted by a recognized organization can have only five people, plus officiants
-in private indoor workplaces masks are mandatory in all common areas, places where there is interaction with the public, areas with poor ventilation, and areas where distance cannot be maintained
-no visitors or volunteers allowed inside long-term care facilities except designated care providers, outdoor visits can continue
-no meetings or training, except mental health and addictions support groups, which can have 25 people
-no sports practices, training, games, competitions, or tournaments
-no arts and culture rehearsals or in-person performances
-bars and clubs cannot host activities such as darts, cards, pool, and bowling
-indoor fitness facilities and sport and recreation are closed
-outdoor fitness and recreation businesses can operate with 25 people
-indoor play areas, arcades, climbing facilities, dance classes, and music lessons are closed
-museums, libraries, and the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia are closed
-all homes licensed by the Department of Community Service under the Homes for Special Care Act cannot have visitors and residents cannot have community access
-all adult day programs for persons with disabilities funded by the Department of Community Services will be closed
Dr. Strang says the Halifax-area lockdown will remain in effect from Ap. 23 until at least May 20.
“What scares me is, you have to look in other parts of the country where they haven’t been able to get this under control,” he says. “I’m also confident were acting very firmly, very early.”
He says the measures are required to stop the spread.
