Self-isolation requirement returning for those not fully vaccinated coming from New Brunswick

The new border policy kicks in at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 25

HALIFAXtoday \  Meghan Groff

Travellers coming from New Brunswick who are not fully vaccinated will once again need to self-isolate upon arrival in Nova Scotia.

Premier-designate Tim Houston made the announcement at his first COVID-19 briefing on Monday.

“Given the situation in New Brunswick and the connection to new cases here at home, Dr. [Robert] Strang is today recommending we re-establish border measures with New Brunswick,” Houston said.

“If you’re fully vaccinated, these restrictions will not apply to you.”

Those coming from our neighbouring province will be subject to the same requirements as travellers from provinces and territories outside Atlantic Canada.

If they’ve had one dose of COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before arriving, they can end their self-isolation after seven days if they’ve had two negative tests.

Anyone who has not had a vaccine needs to quarantine for a full 14 days.

According to the province, workers and students who frequently cross the border, and those making quick trips will not have to self-isolate, but will have to follow the Nova Scotia-New Brunswick travel protocol.

“We expect this to impact a very small number of people and an even smaller number of people when you consider that there will be protocols in place for health care and other workers, for students, for quick drop-offs and quick ins-and-outs,” Houston explained.

“The reality is being cautious has kept this province safe and we will continue to be cautious.”

The new border policy kicks in at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 25.