Atlantic Bubble Will Open July 3
HALIFAX — Unrestricted travel between all four Atlantic Canadian provinces will be allowed as of July 3.
The so-called “Atlantic Bubble” of open borders between the provinces means Atlantic Canadians will be allowed to travel between provinces in the region without having to self-isolate.
Until now, most provinces required out-of-province visitors to isolate for 14 days upon arrival, as a safety measure to limit the spread of Covid-19.
“Nova Scotians and Atlantic Canadians have worked hard to flatten the curve and we’re now in a place where we can ease restrictions within our region. This will allow families to travel and vacation this summer, boosting our tourism and business sectors,” Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil said in a media release.
According to McNeil, travelers will still have to follow the public health rules present in each province. This means things like not travelling if you have Covid-19 symptoms, maintaining physical distancing, wearing masks, and practicing proper hygiene.
Visitors from other Canadian provinces and territories (not in Atlantic Canada) will still have to follow the stricter entry requirements present in each province, including the 14-day self-isolation in Nova Scotia.
Dr Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health, reminded potential travelers that following public health rules is still vital, even as travel restrictions loosen.
“While our epidemiology continues to trend in the right direction, we can’t let up now. Continue to keep your distance, wash your hands, follow gathering limits and contact 811 if you have symptoms,” he said.
McNeil said today’s “Atlantic Bubble” decision “was guided by the chief medical offers of health in each province and will continue to be closely monitored.”
He added that each province will choose its own processes to track and monitor travelers.
New Brunswick premier Blaine Higgs says peace officers will continue to monitor traffic at New Brunswick’s borders and travellers will need to provide proof of residence.
“We will be collecting traveller’s information so we can conduct contact tracing in the event of an outbreak,” he says.
Higgs anticipates the travel bubble will lead to an increase in traffic but he adds peace officers will be ready.
“We have the staff we need to address this increased volume. We will continue to ensure officers are in place to conduct screening while also taking steps to improve traffic flow and move transport trucks through the screening process faster than personal vehicles.”
Meantime, Higgs has also announced an extension of the provincial state of emergency for another two week period.
With files from Acadia Broadcasting, a Huddle content partner