Halifax libraries reopen, along with other facilities, businesses

When the clock struck nine on Monday morning, there were people already outside of the Keshen Goodman Public Library, waiting for the library's doors to reopen to in-person services again.

The library branch, along with all other Halifax Public Libraries branches, were able to reopen on Monday after public health officials announced the easing of certain COVID-19 restrictions on Dec. 16.

“It's great. We've missed everybody,” said Helen Thexton, Halifax Public Libraries service manager for the western district.

“Our staff had obviously adapted to being closed again, but we're always happy to see people in branch.”

According to Thexton, library branches will carry out a lot of the same in-person services that they offered even before the pandemic. This includes in-person borrowing, computer access and study and work spaces will be available to the public.

Some changes, however, include mandatory mask wearing, physical distancing maintained through furniture placing and signage, and no food or beverages allowed inside library facilities.

Halifax Public Libraries branches will also maintain curbside pickup for customers that “are reluctant to come in” and virtual programming while the branches are open for inperson services.

“Other than that, (people) can expect the same staff to answer their questions and help them find what they need,” said Thexton.

Reopening for the second time since the pandemic took hold, Thexton said Halifax

Public Libraries branches are prepared if and when they have to close again.

“We've worked really hard to maintain connections to the community, whether we're closed or open. Hopefully we stay open now, but you never know, so we're ready to quickly flip the switch whichever way it goes in the future, to maintain services that the public wants,” she added.

Other provincewide restrictions that kicked in on Monday:

These restrictions are effective until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 10. For gatherings and events:

• gatherings in your home can have 10 people total, including the people who live there

• people can have a close social group of 10 without physical distancing

• social events, festivals, special events, arts/cultural events and sports events are not permitted

• faith gatherings, wedding ceremonies and funeral services can have a maximum of 150 people outdoors or 50 per cent of an indoor venue's capacity, to a maximum of 100

• wedding and funeral receptions are not permitted

For businesses:

• restaurants and licensed establishments, outside the areas of HRM and Hants County noted above, must stop service by 10 p.m. and close by 11 p.m.

• fitness and sport and recreation facilities can open

• fitness facilities like gyms and yoga studios can operate at 50 per cent capacity and must ensure three metres distance between - participants during high-intensity activities

• outdoor fitness classes can operate at full capacity and must ensure three metres distance between participants during high intensity activities

• personal services such as hair salons and spas can resume providing services that can only be done if the customer removes their mask, such as facials

• retail and shopping mall rules currently in place for areas of HRM and Hants County will extend to the entire province, including operating at 25 per cent of their capacity; their food courts can remain open with public health measures in place including physical distance between tables

For sports, museums, libraries and long-term care:

• sports practices, training and arts and culture rehearsals are limited to 25 participants without physical distancing but games, tournaments and performances are not permitted

• the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, museums and libraries can reopen at full capacity with physical distancing and other public health measures in place

• each long-term care resident can have two designated caregivers and facilities can allow a limited number of visitors