COVID restrictions to be extended into February

They had been set to expire at the end of the month

CITYnews halifax \ Meghan Groff

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Restrictions put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 will once again be extended.

The protocols, which have been in place since December 22, include limiting most gatherings to 10 people and reducing capacity of retail businesses by 50 per cent. They will now continue until at least February 14.

They had been set to expire at the end of the month.

“Understanding where we are today and looking forward, there’s still a path to loosening restrictions, but it’s a path that extends past January 31,” stated Premier Tim Houston at a Wednesday briefing.

“Many things factor into the decisions around restrictions and two of the primary considerations at this stage are the stress on the health care system and the booster program.”

The province’s chief medical officer of health said Omicron continues to have a “very significant” impact on the health care system.

“Keeping restrictions in place a little longer should give more time for cases to continue trending downward and help relieve pressure on the health care system,” Dr. Robert Strang explained.

A total of 312 people are currently in hospital with the disease, 91 who were admitted due to the virus and are receiving specialized care in a COVID-19 unit, 15 of which are in ICU.

There have been 369 hospitalizations and 30 deaths since the start of the Omicron wave on December 8.

When it comes to boosters, 46.8 per cent of those 18 and older have received one, with another 7 per cent having an appointment booked.

The premier said, so far, 255,000 boosters have been administrated already in January, and we should reach 296,000 by the end of the month.

“The booster program’s success is something we can be encouraged by,” he said.

Strang said eased restrictions will likely be phased in.

“If it’s possible to safely allow some things to start earlier than February 14, we will,” the doctor said.

Houston said he’s hoping to relax some restrictions sports and arts and culture soon.

“Have sports teams be able to resume full practices with no fans around February 7,” he said. “And ultimately recitals, competitions and games back by February 14, still possibly with no fans.”

“But these are just the goals and we have to watch what’s happening between now and then.”