The province is tweaking their plans to end most COVID-19 restrictions this Monday.
Premier Tim Houston announced today they will keep masking requirements in schools until mid April.
Houston says eight leading pediatricians spoke up this week about keeping masks in schools and he’s following their recommendation.
He shared a message for Nova Scotians.
“We can move forward because individually we have the tools to make responsible decisions, not only for ourselves, but for those around us. We know what to do.”
However, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang says other school related measures will end Monday.
He offered advice on how people should act when restrictions end.
“The pandemic is not over, which means that the need for all us to keep doing our part isn’t over yet either,” says Strang. “As most of our province wide public health restrictions lift on Monday, it is even more important than ever to continue to do those things that we know work.”
Strang added that when restrictions end, businesses and organizations will still be able to require mask wearing.
The state of emergency is also set to end Monday.
Updated details from the province on the lifting of restrictions are listed below.
Effective 12:01 a.m. Monday, March 21:
- there will be no gathering limits or capacity limits, but people should still keep their social groups small and consistent and make careful choices about the gatherings they attend
- physical distance will no longer be required between individuals and groups, although distancing is still recommended
- masks will no longer be required, but wearing one in indoor public places or crowded outdoor places is strongly recommended
- businesses and organizations across all sectors can resume full operations with no mandatory public health restrictions
- special events including festivals, sports, performances, meetings, training and faith ceremonies can resume in full.
In public schools, staff and students will follow the updated guidance in the Back to School Plan, including the following:
- masking for staff, students and visitors remains in place for a few more weeks during school hours and on school buses
- visitors and spectators will need to wear masks in schools during school instructional hours for a few more weeks
- staff and students are asked to follow core public health measures such as getting vaccinated if eligible, staying home if feeling unwell, following the COVID-19 daily checklist, washing and sanitizing hands frequently
- music, band, arts and sports in schools can resume in full
- tournaments, concerts and extracurricular activities are permitted
- planning for graduation can proceed.
In long-term care facilities:
- residents can have five visitors at a time if the facility can accommodate them
- larger groups of visitors are permitted for special occasions like a resident’s birthday or anniversary if the facility can accommodate them
- visitors need to wear a mask and be fully vaccinated, except for end-of-life visits
- regardless of vaccination status, residents can leave the facility for any reason, including overnight visits with family.
The Nova Scotia Health Authority and IWK Health Centre will continue with mask requirements and visitor restrictions.
