Nova Scotia Extends Lockdown Into June
HALIFAX — Nova Scotia will keep strict lockdown measures in place across the province until at least the second week in June.
Premier Iain Rankin made the announcement Wednesday, noting that Covid-19 cases in Nova Scotia are beginning to drop but that the recent outbreak is still not under control.
On May 19, the province reported 83 new Covid-19 cases, including two people in their 60s who died from complications related to the diseases.
Right now, there are 1,262 active Covid-19 cases in the province. One hundred and one people are in hospital, including 20 in intensive care.
Dr. Robert Strang, the province’s chief medical officer of health, said the province is keeping in place limits on social gatherings and business openings, as well as restrictions at the border, to try and stamp down the third wave of Covid-19 before too much of the summer passes.
“We need to get out case numbers much further down before we can begin slowly reopening,” Strang said. “Our restrictions are geared towards reducing social activities and gatherings. That is where Covid thrives.”
Along with restricting business activity and social gatherings, the extended restrictions also mean kids won’t be returning to in-person classes this school year. More complete information on Nova Scotia’s current Covid-19 restrictions is available here.
Rankin acknowledged that the shutdown has been tough on businesses. He asked for patience from businesses forced to close and suggested more support might be on the way.
“To our business community: I’ve heard from you and I that know it’s been a challenge,” he said.
He acknowledged that many are looking for more government support and said he recognizes the challenge of trying to run a business without much certainty.
“You’re making investments, you’re hoping to have a solid summer, for many of you, it’s going to be the peak season. So we really want to be there to support you and have that solid summer,” Rankin said. “That’s why we do think that taking strict measures now will allow us to open up sooner.”
Rankin said the government is “working on more support” for businesses and plans to release a reopening strategy “in the coming days” to try to provide some level of certainty.
Rankin said if Nova Scotians follow the rules for the next three weeks the province should be able to begin relaxing restrictions.
“We understand that people want to see some certainty and what a summer looks like, but we need to work together to be able to get to that point soon,” Rankin said.