Premier Stephen McNeil. Image: Submitted
The Nova Scotia government is tightening border restrictions for people entering the province from New Brunswick, as that province fights off its worst COVID-19 outbreak to date.
The new rules, which come into effect at 8 a.m. on January 9, require anyone entering Nova Scotia from New Brunswick to quarantine for 14 days.
“What we are saying here is do not go to New Brunswick, and New Brunswickers do not come here unless it is for essential purposes,” Premier Stephen McNeil said today as he announced the changes.
There will be a few exceptions to the new restrictions, specifically for people who travel between the two provinces for work, medical appointments, and for reasons related to legal child custody arrangements.
Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr. Robert Strang at a COVID-19 briefing on Jan. 8, 2021 Communications Nova Scotia
Most of the provincewide restrictions put into effect before Christmas will be extended for at least two more weeks.
The rules that include a gathering limit of 10, the early closure of restaurants and bars and the banning of social events, festivals, sports and special events, along with wedding and funeral receptions were set to expire as of Monday, but will now remain in place until at least until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 24. Keeping things as they are for at least two more weeks will give us a chance to really see the impact of the holidays, said Dr. Robert Strang. What has been the impact of more shopping, more travel and more gatherings.