HALIFAX — The Nova Scotia government is bringing back previous COVID-19 restrictions in light of recent outbreaks and the threat of the Omicron variant.
As of Dec. 17, 2021, physical distancing of six feet is required both indoors and outdoors. That said, bars and restaurants must adhere to physical distancing requirements and maximum table size will be capped at 20. Guests must remain seated to remove their mask if they’re actively eating or drinking. Furthermore, gathering limits are limited to 150 people indoors and 250 outdoors for social events, such as weddings, sports events and special events hosted by businesses and organizations.
“We don’t know enough about this variant to let things go,” said Premier Tim Houston. “I’m not taking chances with the lives of Nova Scotians or the ability of our health system to care for people. We need to act quickly to get things under control. The way we fight this is no different than what we’ve done all along. That’s why we need to bring back some of the previous restrictions.”
“We’ve acted quickly and cautiously throughout this pandemic and that has served us well,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Nova Scotia. “We’re focusing on tightening up in three key areas to try to get this latest variant under control — masking, gathering limits and physical distancing. These restrictions are an interim step while we learn more about this variant and get more people vaccinated.”
New Brunswick is also tightening COVID-19 restrictions amid soaring cases. As of Dec. 17, 2021, people must limit their household contacts to maximum 20 people. Restaurants can continue to offer indoor dining with two-metre distancing between tables. Entertainment centres will also operate at 50-per-cent capacity with physical distancing.
On Monday, Kingston, Ont. also implemented further restrictions in response to the spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant. Until Dec. 20, 2021, indoor and outdoor social gatherings can’t exceed five people and foodservice businesses must be closed for indoor dinning between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Establishments serving alcohol are permitted to do so between 12 p.m. and 9 p.m. only. Finally, only four patrons can be seated at a table.
