HALIFAX: Due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia is tightening border controls.
Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health, announced today, Feb. 9, a new self-isolation requirement for people coming to Nova Scotia from Newfoundland and Labrador. It takes effect tomorrow, Feb. 10, at 8 a.m.
“We have had a very good run in the last number of weeks with a low number of new cases. Other provinces have not been as fortunate, including Newfoundland and Labrador, which is experiencing an outbreak,” said Premier McNeil. “This is another example of how quickly COVID-19 can take hold.
“We are moving quickly with the new self-isolation requirement to limit opportunities for the virus to spread.”
Starting tomorrow, people entering Nova Scotia from Newfoundland and Labrador must complete the Nova Scotia Safe Check-in form before arriving and self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. Nova Scotians returning from Newfoundland and Labrador must also self-isolate for 14 days, unless they are exempt from the order.
This new requirement is not retroactive. However, people who arrived from Newfoundland and Labrador or had visitors from that province in the 14 days before Feb. 10 should get tested immediately and consider a second test five to seven days later. People who were in Newfoundland and Labrador should self-isolate while waiting for the first test result. People can book a test at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en
“Travel has been the main source of cases in Nova Scotia and we continue to ask people not to travel unless it’s absolutely necessary,” said Dr. Strang. “This is a time to explore our own province and support local business rather than traveling outside Nova Scotia.”
The public health order exempts some people from self-isolation if they do not have symptoms, including:
— certain workers who must travel for their jobs
— people who are dropping off or picking up a child within about 24 hours as part of a legal custody agreement
— people traveling to and from essential health services, with accompanying support people
— people can participate in a legal proceeding but must otherwise self-isolate
Specialized workers doing critical urgent work that cannot be done by anyone in Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island can enter Nova Scotia to do their work but must otherwise self-isolate.
Rotational workers who work outside Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island have a modified form of self-isolation when they return home. They must get tested on day one or two of their isolation and again on day six, seven or eight.
Quick Facts:
— the Nova Scotia Safe Check-in form is at https://travel-declaration.novascotia.ca/en
— travellers must respond to a daily email check-in during their 14 days of self-isolation
Additional Resources:
Government of Canada: https://canada.ca/coronavirus
Government of Canada information line 1-833-784-4397 (toll-free)
The Mental Health Provincial Crisis Line is available 24/7 to anyone experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, or someone concerned about them, by calling 1-888-429-8167 (toll-free)
Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free)
For help or information about domestic violence 24/7, call 1-855-225-0220 (toll-free)
For more information about COVID-19 testing and online booking, visit https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/symptoms-and-testing
The COVID-19 self-assessment is at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca
