N.S. Tightens Restrictions As New Covid-19 Variant Spreads
HALIFAX – Nova Scotia is reporting 114 new cases of Covid-19 and the arrival of the Omicron variant in the province.
There are 55 cases in the Halifax region, 52 cases in the Antigonish area, five cases in Western Zone, and two cases in Northern Zone. The National Microbiology Lab has also confirmed 40 Omicron variant cases. These cases were previously reported.
Six people are in hospital in the province because of Covid-19, including two in intensive care.
The spike in cases in the province comes on the heels of an outbreak connected to St. Francis Xavier University.
RELATED: St. Francis Xavier University President Tests Positive For Covid-19
The province says the new Omicron variant poses a significant threat to public health. Because of that threat, physical distance and gathering limits are returning.
Mask requirements are also being tightened, and enhanced measures are going into place at schools. Over the past three days, 17 schools were also notified of exposures at their school.
“We don’t know enough about this variant to let things go,” said Premier Tim Houston. “I’m not taking chances with the lives of Nova Scotians or the ability of our health system to care for people. We need to act quickly to get things under control. The way we fight this is no different than what we’ve done all along. That’s why we need to bring back some of the previous restrictions.”
Effective December 14, the new physical distance and mask requirements will include:
- A physical distance of two metres (six feet) is required indoors and outdoors, except among people in the same household or a consistent social group of up to 20 people. Places like fitness and recreation facilities, retail businesses, malls, museums, libraries and personal services like hair salons can operate at the maximum capacity possible with physical distancing;
- Food establishments and liquor-licensed establishments must have physical distance between tables and a limit of 20 people per table;
- People must be seated to remove their mask for eating or drinking; all other mask requirements for indoor public places remain, including wearing them when seated for other activities;
- Masks are required in areas of workplaces where physical distance cannot be achieved, as well as common areas, areas where people are serving the public and areas with poor ventilation;
- Indoor and outdoor informal gatherings, typically at home, are limited to 20 people from the same household or consistent social group; physical distance and proof of full vaccination are not required; masks are not required except in indoor public places;
- Gathering limits of 50 percent of capacity to a maximum of 150 people indoors and 250 outdoors apply to social gatherings, regular faith services, weddings, funerals and their associated receptions and visitation, special events, meetings, training, festivals, and audiences for sports events and arts and culture events (like performances and movie theatres) that are hosted by a recognized business or organization, including faith organizations;
- A limit of 60 participants indoors and outdoors applies to sports practices, games, and regular league play; tournaments are not allowed; physical distance is not required, and masks are recommended when possible indoors and outdoors;
- A limit of 60 participants indoors and outdoors applies to professional and amateur arts and culture rehearsals and performances; competitions are not allowed; professionals must have a plan for their workplace; physical distance is not required, and masks are recommended when possible indoors and outdoors;
- Children 11 and younger continue to be restricted from entering Nova Scotia to participate in sports and arts and culture events and from participating in them outside Nova Scotia;
- Specific organizational plans will be considered for large venues such as Scotiabank Centre, Halifax Exhibition Centre and Halifax Convention Centre.
People infected in the province’s new Covid-19 outbreak are experiencing relatively mild symptoms and the cases are mostly young people who are fully vaccinated.
The province is asking all close contacts, including those who are fully vaccinated, to isolate until they have a negative result from a lab-based (PCR) test. The lab test should be performed at least 72 hours after the exposure. Testing has been increased in the Antigonish area, including extended hours at the testing centre. Mobile testing units have also been deployed.
Meanwhile, the province is reporting an outbreak at Parkland Antigonish, a seniors living community. Two residents and two staff members from the retirement home have tested positive and one staff member from Mary’s Court, the licensed long-term care neighbourhood, has tested positive.
No one is in hospital. All staff and residents are fully vaccinated, and all residents of Mary’s Court have had a booster shot. Public health is working with the facility to prevent further spread. Increased public health measures and restrictions are in place.
The province’s new restrictions also include rules for long-term care facilities. Those include a limit of two visitors at a time with residents, continued enforcement of vaccine mandates inside long-term care homes and only allowing “quick close contact” like a hug.
Steven MacArthur is the news director with CKHZ 103.5 in Halifax, a Huddle content partner.