26 Jun Further Lifting of Restrictions
On Friday, June 26, further changes to gathering restrictions were lifted given Nova Scotia’s continued low rates of COVID-19. Effective Friday, July 3, if a recognized business or organization is planning an event outdoors, 250 people can attend with physical distancing rules in place. For an indoor event, the limit is 50 per cent capacity to a maximum of 200, again with physical distancing.
Gatherings not run by a recognized business or organization, such as a family event in the backyard, are still subject to the 50-person maximum limit with physical distancing unless you’re in your close social group of 10.
The expanded gathering limits apply to social events, faith gatherings, weddings, funerals and other cultural events, and arts and culture events like theatre performances, dance recitals, festivals and concerts. Guidelines for these types of events are available at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/docs/Events-theatres-and-venues-COVID-19-prevention-guidelines.pdf
As previously announced, people can continue to gather in close social groups of up to 10 without physical distancing. People in a group are not required to be exclusive but they are strongly encouraged to maintain a consistent group. People should not gather in random or spontaneous groups of 10.
Businesses that are too small to ensure physical distancing can still have no more than 10 people on their premises at a time with as much physical distancing as possible.
In addition, the following restrictions are being eased, effectively immediately:
— restaurants and licensed liquor establishments can operate at 100 per cent capacity and serve patrons until midnight with appropriate distancing between tables. Patrons must leave by 1 a.m.
— private campgrounds can operate at 100 per cent capacity.
— public pools can reopen with physical distancing for lane swimming and aquafit classes, and one or more groups of 10 for other activities based on pool size. They must follow the Nova Scotia Lifesaving Society plan for change rooms and washrooms. It will take municipalities and other public pools time to prepare for reopening
— people living in homes funded by disability support programs can resume going out into their communities, although it may take time for homes to make arrangements
It is recommended that all Nova Scotians wear a non-medical mask in situations where physical distancing is not possible, such as in stores, on public transit, or at gatherings. The exceptions are children under two or anyone who has a medical reason for not wearing a mask.