Restrictions lifted in HRM
HALIFAX — Nova Scotia has lifted or changed most COVID-19 restrictions in Halifax Regional Municipality and its neighbouring communities.
Many restrictions that came into effect Feb. 27, such as restaurant hours, sport competitions, culture performances and non-essential travel, will end today at 8 a.m.
"Last week we were worried about increased case numbers in Halifax but what we are seeing this week warrants lifting some restrictions early," said Premier Iain Rankin in a news release.
"I know that restrictions can have a significant impact on businesses but safety is always the first priority, and I want to thank Nova Scotians for following public health advice as that has allowed us to ease them earlier. Thank you for doing your part to keep yourself, your family and your communities safe."
THREE NEW CASES
Three new cases of COVID19 were reported Thursday in Nova Scotia's central health zone. Two are close contacts of previously reported cases and the other case is under investigation.
The number of active cases is down one compared to Wednesday at 29 but there is one more person in the hospital for a total of five. Two of those people are in intensive care. Of the active caess, 21 are in the central zone, four in the eastern zone, three in the northern zone and one in the western zone.
"We continue to see new COVID-19 cases every day. So, it's very apparent the virus is still in our communities," the premier said in a news release. "Let's continue to be vigilant. Let's keep doing what we have been doing so well to keep the virus under control, such as following our public health measures."
Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 6,551 tests on Wednesday.
There have been 37,590 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered. Of those, 14,219 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.
Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has completed 233,511 tests. There have been 560 positive COVID-19 cases and 531 resolved cases.
"Thank you to all the Nova Scotians who turned out for testing over the past week," said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health. "These record numbers helped give us a bigger picture of the virus in HRM and elsewhere in the province. It was critical to this decision."