The province is entering Phase 2 of its reopening plan Monday.
That’ll increase the outdoor informal gathering limit to 50, the indoor limit remains at 25.
Many businesses and events will be able to increase their capacity and sports tournaments are once again allowed.
Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Medical Officer of Health, says Phase 2 is bringing back asymptomatic testing for people at risk of severe disease, and those who live and work with them.
“Epidemiology is improving and restrictions are gradually lifting, but the pandemic is not over,” he says. “Through the Omicron wave, rapid tests were used mainly to diagnose COVID-19 among close contacts and people with symptoms. We are now encouraging Nova Scotians to also use rapid tests as a way to help protect vulnerable people in our communities.”
Isolation requirements changing Monday
Anyone who tests positive will need to isolate for seven days from when they first show symptoms, or when they receive a positive test result. They can stop isolating on the eighth day if they no longer have symptoms and haven’t had a fever for 24 hours.
They’re also no longer being asked to notify anyone outside their own home.
There will no longer be an isolation or testing requirement for close contacts who don’t have symptoms.
If you live with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 and you yourself develop symptoms, you need to isolate and test right away, then do a second test at least 72 hours later. If you use a rapid test, you must do a third test 48 hours after the second.
If all the required tests come back negative, your symptoms are improving, and you’ve had no fever for 24 hours, you can leave isolation.
Anyone who has recovered from COVID-19 within 90 days does not have to isolate or test, even if they develop symptoms.
