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  • Writer's pictureCBFM News

Nova Scotia ending pandemic restrictions


Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, announced the province will remove all remaining COVID-19 restrictions on Wednesday.


That includes isolating if you test positive for COVID-19.


Dr. Strang says this is the right time to say goodbye to restrictions.

"Although we expect to see smaller waves of COVID-19 variants over the summer, our high vaccine coverage and low risk of severe disease from Omicron variants make it manageable as we learn to live with COVID-19.
That’s why we are removing the remaining COVID-19 restrictions for the general public.
The pandemic is not over but Nova Scotians have the tools and resources to make the right decisions to keep each other safe.”

Effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 6:


Isolation

  • isolation shifts from being mandatory to strongly recommended for people who test positive for COVID-19

  • it is also strongly recommended that people who have symptoms such as a cough, sore throat or fever isolate until feeling better

  • it is still important for people with symptoms to avoid high-risk settings and people at higher risk

  • if a workplace has occupational health policies that are stricter than the general public health recommendations, such as mandatory masking or isolation requirements, people must continue to follow those policies.


Masks

  • will shift from strongly recommended to optional

  • masks are still strongly recommended for people who are ill or in a crowded indoor setting

  • for people who have COVID-19 symptoms but cannot isolate, it is strongly recommended they wear a well-fitted mask in indoor public places, on public transit and crowded areas

  • it is each person’s own decision whether to wear a mask, weighing their risk factors and comfort and those of people around them.


Testing

  • people with symptoms will still have access to COVID-19 testing at testing centres across the province

  • people with symptoms who are in a low-risk category in their self-assessment will have access to rapid tests only and will not receive a PCR test whether or not they test positive on a rapid test

  • higher risk people and those who work or live in higher-risk congregate settings still have access to PCR testing, and it is still recommended

  • Nova Scotia will no longer offer testing for those without COVID-19 symptoms

  • rapid tests will continue to be available for pickup at public libraries and MLA offices, but people who are sick should not go.


Long-Term Care, Corrections Facilities, Shelters and Transition Houses

  • to align with the policy at hospitals, designated caregivers and visitors will no longer need proof of vaccination to visit

  • designated caregivers and visitors will be able to remove their masks when visiting in a private area or while outdoors

  • seven-day isolation for residents who test positive for COVID-19 continues to be required.


In July, Nova Scotia will shift to a monthly COVID-19 report, which will be posted online.


The report will be produced on the 15th of every month and reflect the COVID-19 epidemiology in the province for the previous month.


The first monthly report will be for June and will be available on July 15.


The COVID-19 dashboard will continue to be updated weekly.

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