Groups of 25 cleared to practice

Games, tournaments not permitted in Nova Scotia until Jan. 11

Sport groups in the Halifax Regional Municipality have been cleared for a return to practice following an announcement by the Department of Health and Wellness on Wednesday.

Effective Monday, sport groups will be able to practice or train in numbers up to 25 without social distancing. Coaches, trainers and any other support staff must be included among the 25 participants.

The new regulations apply to the entire province and will remain in place until Jan. 11.

It was also announced that games and tournaments throughout Nova Scotia are not permitted during this time period.

Sport groups in HRM have been out of action since Nov. 26.

Fitness and sport and recreation facilities were give the approval to open. Fitness facilities, like gyms and yoga studios, can operate at 50 per cent capacity while outdoor fitness classes can operate at full capacity. However, both facilities must ensure three metres distance between participants during high intensity activities.

At the COVID-19 update on Wednesday, Premier Stephen Mcneil and Dr. Robert Strang said there is no longer a recommendation specifically around travel into and out of areas of HRM and Hants County. They also asked Nova Scotians to avoid any unnecessary travel.

"We want to let people have their holiday with loved ones but this holiday needs to be different to keep everybody safe," said Dr. Strang. "We need to keep gatherings small, pull back on our social activity, and avoid crowds in the retail sector so that we don't give this virus the opportunity to spread."

Four new cases were reported Wednesday to bring the province's total to 55.