Nova Scotia begins three-phase plan to lift COVID-19 restrictions

As of Monday, Phase 1 will begin

CityNews Halifax Staff

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Nova Scotia is easing some COVID-19 restrictions on Monday as part of a three-phase plan to lift all measures.

As of Monday, Phase 1 will begin which will see the informal gathering limit rise from 10 to 25 people, while limits for events such as weddings, funerals and faith services will increase to 50 percent of capacity indoors and outdoors.

Professional and amateur sports can now have practices, training, and regular games with spectators allowed following formal gathering limits. But tournaments are still not allowed, at this time.

Arts and culture performances are allowed to take place, with spectators allowed.

Fitness and recreation facilities can now operate at 75 percent capacity while retail businesses and malls can operate at maximum capacity with physical distance and masks.

Bars and restaurants can also increase capacity to 75 percent with physical distance between tables. They must also stop dine-in service by midnight and close by 1 a.m.

All border restrictions for domestic travellers will be lifted and long-term care residents will now be able to have any two visitors at a time, rather than the same two visitors.

According to the province, each phase is expected to last roughly a month, adding advancing to the next phase will depend on epidemiology, hospitalizations and case activity.