EAST HANTS/FALLRIVER: The Laker News received several queries on a few topics for questions to ask Premier Iain Rankin and Dr. Robert Strang.
While we can’t ask all of them, and some didn’t fall into the category that should be asked in the live briefing, we sent an email to the COVID media line for answers.
Heather Fairbairn, a communications spokeswoman with the COVID-19 media team, assisted in getting the answers.
Here they are;
Q: Why are there still film productions allowed to be happening in the province, with travel of equipment going from Dartmouth to all areas of the province. These are huge crews and these people will be coming and going from film sets, into their communities, back to their families?
A: “Unless specifically identified for closure or other limitations within the Public Health Order, businesses may continue to operate in accordance with their workplace COVID-19 prevention plans.
“All film and television productions in Nova Scotia are required to follow guidelines established by Screen Nova Scotia and approved by public health, and by the Department of Labour and Advanced Education.
“All productions also have their own extensive protocols that includes testing. There are a small number of active productions happening right now in the province, and the majority of people on any set are Nova Scotians.
“Travel through the province is permitted if required for work, however there will be limited travel to and from the sets.”
Q: If the province is in lockdown, especially HRM why are Halifax’s Access N.S. wide open and the other Access N.S. in the province open with just reduced hours? Should they not be closed with phone calls & online only just like HRM offices are?
A: “Not all businesses are required to close. Many of the services offered at Access Nova Scotia Centres are essential to people’s every day lives and may be needed for employment purposes.
“Access centres are operating at 25 per cent capacity and following strict protocols. People are asked to visit or book an appointment at an Access Nova Scotia Centre located in, or closest to, the community in which they live.
“Many services are available online, including driver licences and vehicle permit renewals: https://novascotia.ca/access-services-online/
“The reduced hours at some locations are due to staff shortages.”
Q: With another Freedom Rally scheduled for this weekend May 15, what is the province planning on doing? Any extra enforcement/plans for fines? Any message to those going?
A: “The province continues to battle the spread of COVID-19. In doing so, it is our expectation that ALL Nova Scotians follow the directives outlined in the Public Health Order to protect themselves and those around them.
“It is our understanding that police will use all measures at their disposal to keep everyone safe.”
