Rules for the Travelling Public

Travelling into Nova Scotia from outside Atlantic Canada

As per the provincial government, everyone who travels from outside Atlantic Canada into Nova Scotia (including travelling through Nova Scotia to another destination) are legally required to self isolate for 14 days when they arrive in Nova Scotia, or for the duration of their stay if it's less than 14 days.

If you have concerns regarding this rule, please contact your local RCMP office.

Provincial Covid-19 Resources:

Travelling into Nova Scotia from outside Atlantic Canada:

• Everyone who travels from outside Atlantic Canada into Nova Scotia (including travelling through Nova Scotia to another destination) must self-isolate for 14 days when they arrive in Nova Scotia, or for the duration of their stay if it’s less than 14 days. If they have already self-isolated in another Atlantic Canadian province, they may enter Nova Scotia without self-isolating again. You don’t need to self-isolate if you’re exempt from self-isolation.
  Self-isolation means you go directly to your destination and stay there for 14 days, or for the duration of your stay if it’s less than 14 days. Don’t take a bus and avoid taking a taxi if possible. Don’t have visitors. Make plans to have groceries and other supplies delivered.

• Every adult (18 or older) travelling into Nova Scotia from outside Atlantic Canada needs to complete a Self-declaration Form before they travel to the province, unless they’re exempt from self-isolation. This includes Nova Scotia residents (18 or older) who have travelled outside Atlantic Canada and are returning to the province.

• If you’re travelling through Nova Scotia to another province you should make as few stops in Nova Scotia as possible. You should self-isolate as much as you can and follow social distancing guidelines with people who are not travelling with you.

• People from outside Atlantic Canada also need to follow public health directives while they're in Nova Scotia.

• Information for travellers into Nova Scotia:  https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/travel/

• Self Isolation information: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/what-it-means-for-nova-scotians/#self-isolation-requirements

Masks are Mandatory beginning July 31, 2020

MASKS MANDATORY

By order of the provincial government, non-medical masks are mandatory beginning July 31, 2020. All visitors to any municipal Victoria County site are required to wear a mask.

In addition to wearing a mask, please continue these very important Covid-19 safety measures:

• Maintain a 6 foot distance between people
• Wash hand frequently
• Follow cough & sneeze etiquette
• If sick, stay home

New Mask Rules effective July 31, 2020

New Mask Rules effective July 31, 2020

(exerpt from Nova Scotia Government COvid 19 page:https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/staying-healthy/#masks)

Wearing a non-medical mask

New requirement to wear a non-medical mask in most indoor public places starts on 31 July 2020. Children under 2 are exempt, as well as children 2 to 4 when their caregiver can't get them to wear a mask. People with a valid medical reason for not wearing a mask are also exempt. Schools, day cares and day camps continue to follow their sector-specific plans.

When to wear a mask

All passengers and drivers on public transportation are required to wear non-medical masks. Children under 2 are exempt, as well as children 2 to 4 when their caregiver can't get them to wear a mask. People with a valid medical reason for not wearing a mask are also exempt. Public transportation includes:

• municipally operated public transit (buses and ferries)
• school buses and vehicles operated by private schools
• community transit vehicles (like community operated buses)
• commercial vehicles like shuttle vans (excluding vehicles providing charters and tours)
• taxis
• vehicles serving residents and staff at long-term care facilities

Even if you don’t have symptoms, you should wear a non-medical mask whenever you’re in places where it’s hard to maintain social distance (like public transportation, stores, elevators and gatherings).

You should wear a non-medical mask unless you have a medical reason for not wearing a mask (like people with cognitive or developmental disabilities who can’t wear a mask). Children under the age of 2 shouldn’t wear a mask.

There are very few reasons not to wear a mask. Wearing a mask doesn’t worsen chronic lung conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If you have chronic breathing problems or a mental health condition that creates anxiety, you may need to work on ways to overcome the anxiety (like practicing wearing a mask for short periods of time at home).
How to wear and make a mask

Learn more about non-medical masks, how to make a non-medical mask and how to wear a non-medical mask.
Additional safety measures

Using a mask alone isn’t enough to prevent the spread of COVID-19. You should also make sure to keep your hands clean, follow cough and sneeze etiquette and social distancing guidelines and stay home if you’re feeling sick.

Atlantic 'Bubble' announced

Bubbles Expanding

Bubbles Expanding; Hugs allowed

On June 18, the Nova Scotia government announced that people can now gather in groups of up to 10 without physical distancing. People in a group are not required to be exclusive but they are strongly encouraged to maintain a consistent group. This is especially important for Nova Scotians who are more at risk of complications from COVID-19. This change replaces the concept of family household bubbles.

Gatherings of up to 50 will now be allowed but people must observe physical distancing of two metres or six feet.

The larger gathering limit of 50 applies to social events, faith gatherings, sports and physical activity, weddings and funerals, and arts and culture events like theatre performances, dance recitals, festivals and concerts.

For more information: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20200618004

Safe Work Guidelines

Safe Practice Guidelines for Work Places

As businesses prepare to reopen, here are some guidelines for best practises provided by the NS government: Safe Practise Guidelines for Work Places.