Phase 5 to kick in Monday with ‘cautious approach,’ including mandatory masks

Nova Scotia’s proof of vaccination policy also starts on Oct. 4

HALIFAXtoday\ Meghan Groff

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The province is still on track to enter Phase 5 on Monday, however it will do so with a more “cautious approach” than originally planned.

Masks will remain mandatory in indoor public spaces, including in schools.

In addition, informal gathering limits will continue to be capped at 25 people indoors and 50 outdoors. However gathering limits, along with the requirement for physical distancing, will be lifted for any events hosted by a recognized business or organization.

Border restrictions currently in place for many travellers will be expanded to people coming from Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.

This means, as of 8 a.m. on Oct. 4, anyone coming into the province from any other Canadian provinces and territories will need to complete the Nova Scotia Safe Check-in form.

Self-isolation requirements continue to be based on vaccination status and testing. Travellers with two doses are exempt, those with one dose can end their quarantine after one week if they’ve received two negative tests, and anyone unvaccinated must self-isolate for a full 14 days.

Nova Scotia’s proof of vaccination policy also kicks in Monday, and as of 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 4, anyone 12 and up will need two doses to go to restaurants, movies, sports events, theatre performances, social events and the gym.

The policy has been tweaked a bit. Proof will not be need to go to a library, but it will be required to participate programs that bring groups of people together.

Vaccines will also be necessary for designated caregivers and visitors of residents in long-term care facilities, with some limited exceptions.

Anyone dining inside a fast-food restaurant must have both doses, but anyone can grab takeout, get delivery and use a drive-thru or food court, regardless of their vaccination status.

Teens between the ages of 13 and 18 who have had their first shot can still participate in sports, recreation, arts and culture activities until October 26, when a second dose will be required.

Any kids who turn 12 this year are being given a bit of a grace period. Those born before Oct. 4 have until Dec. 31 to get both shots. Those who turn 12 after Oct. 4 have three months following their birthdays to get fully vaccinated.

Those with a valid medical reason preventing them from getting the shots can get an exemption letter from their physician or nurse practitioner, which will need to be shown when asked for proof of vaccination. Anyone who doesn’t have a primary health provider can call 811.

People with the following qualify to be exempt from the proof of vaccination policy:

• A history of severe allergic reaction (like anaphylaxis) after previous administration of a COVID-19 vaccine using a similar platform (mRNA or viral vector)
• Allergy to any component of the specific COVID-19 vaccine or its container (polyethylene glycol for Pfizer’s Comirnaty and Moderna’s Spikevax COVID-19 vaccines)
• A history of major venous or arterial thrombosis with thrombocytopenia following vaccination with AstraZeneca’s Vaxzevria COVID-19 vaccine
• A history of capillary leak syndrome following vaccination with AstraZeneca’s Vaxzevria vaccine
• A history of myocarditis or pericarditis after a first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer Comirnaty or Moderna Spikevax)
• Experiencing a serious adverse event after receiving your first dose of COVID-19 vaccine (defined as life-threatening, requires in-patient hospitalization or prolongs an existing hospitalization, results in persistent or significant disability, incapacity or in a congenital anomaly or birth defect)

The province has also been mailing out exception letters to some Nova Scotians who participated in COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials, which they can show when asked for proof of full vaccination.