Close To ‘Full Lockdown’ In Halifax As Covid-19 Cases Surge
HALIFAX — The provincial government announced sweeping new restrictions in the Halifax area Thursday as Covid-19 cases in the region surge.
Premier Iain Rankin said the measures amount to “what is almost a full lockdown” that will last for four weeks.
“The state of the Covid-19 pandemic in our province has grown more serious,” Rankin said at a press briefing Thursday.
He said case numbers in the province “are rising too rapidly” and that there is now community spread of the Covid-19 virus across the HRM.
April 22, the province announced 38 new cases of Covid-19, bringing the total number of active cases in the province to 111.
Most of those cases are concentrated in Halifax and some surrounding communities and the new restrictions will apply just to those areas.
Those restrictions include:
- Gathering limits have been lowered to five, both inside and outside
- Restaurants and bars must close to dine-in service. They can remain open for take-out only
- Malls and retail businesses can stay open, but only at 25 percent of their normal capacity
- Spas, salons, tattoo parlours and similar “personal services” must close
- Indoor sports and recreation facilities must close but can hold fitness classes outdoors with appropriate social distancing
- Large events such as wedding receptions, funeral receptions, festivals, arts and culture performances, sports events cannot happen.
- Visitors and volunteers will be barred from long-term care facilities
- Some schools where virus cases have been identified will close for two weeks
A complete list of all new restrictions is available by visiting Nova Scotia’s online Covid-19 resources page.
The restrictions take effect April 23, at 8 a.m. and will remain in effect until at least May 20. They apply to all areas of Halifax Regional Municipality as well as: Hubbards, Milford, Lantz, Elmsdale, Enfield, South Uniacke, Ecum Secum and Trafalgar.
Rankin said the new restrictions are planned to last for four weeks but could be lifted earlier if they are effective at curbing Covid-19 spread.
“These restrictions are meant to be a circuit breaker. They are designed to curb social activity so that we can protect our healthcare system from surges and keep our vaccine rollout on track,” he said.
Rankin also said the government will support the businesses affected by the new rules by making small business impact grants available.
Dr. Robert Strang, the province’s chief medical officer of health, said the new rules are severe but necessary.
“It is clear strong action now is an absolute necessity,” he said. He urged Nova Scotians to follow the new rules and look out for one another as health officials work to get the pandemic under control.
“This situation scares me, but I know we have the ability to regain control,” Strang said. “This will take the commitment of every Nova Scotian. But I’m confident we have shown we’re up to the task.”