‘Atlantic bubble’ begins July 3 as COVID-19 cases stabilize

HALIFAX — The four Atlantic Provinces have announced plans to ease interprovincial travel restrictions, creating a so-called “bubble” as the region has reported relatively few new COVID-19 infections in recent weeks.

As of July 3, residents of Atlantic Canada will be allowed to travel within the region without having to self-isolate for two weeks when arriving in another province.

Under the new rules in Newfoundland and Labrador, outdoor public gatherings of up to 50 people will be allowed, while a range of recreational facilities will reopen, including gyms and arenas. As well, bars and indoor entertainment facilities, such as cinemas and bingo halls, will reopen at a reduced capacity.

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dwight Ball said, if all goes well, travellers from other parts of Canada could be allowed to enter Atlantic Canada around July 17.

Nova Scotia announced Wednesday it had not recorded a new case of the viral infection in the past 15 days, and had no active cases. The province had 1,061 total confirmed cases, including 63 deaths — 53 of them at a single long-term care facility in Halifax.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, where there were 261 confirmed cases and three deaths, the most recent case of COVID-19 was recorded May 28.

New Brunswick has 20 active cases. Of the 165 people with confirmed infections, two have died and 143 have recovered.

Prince Edward Island had just 27 cases of COVID-19 and all have recovered. The Island last reported a case on April 28.