The Province of Nova Scotia announced that due to current epidemiology in the province and Atlantic region, the start of Phase 5 of Nova Scotia’s reopening plan will be delayed the proof of full vaccination policy begins for certain events and activities. The expected date is October 4, 2021, and current restrictions, including physical distancing, gathering limits and masking, will stay in place until that date. 

Proof of Vaccination Policy 

Starting on October 4, people who are 12 and older will need to provide proof of full vaccination to participate in most events and activities that bring groups of people together.

While the policy is not yet final, it will apply to the following: 

• full-service restaurants where patrons sit at tables to be served, both indoors and on patios
• liquor licensed establishments, casinos, and other gaming establishments, both indoors and on patios
• indoor and outdoor fitness and recreation facilities such as gyms, yoga studios, pools, and arenas, as well as fitness classes
• indoor and outdoor leisure facilities and businesses such as dance and music lessons, climbing facilities, escape rooms, pottery painting, indoor play places, arcades, shooting ranges, go-carts, and outdoor adventure
• indoor and outdoor festivals, special events, and arts and culture events and venues such as theatre performances, concerts and movie theatres, unless they are outdoor events held in public spaces with no specific entry point, such as Nocturne
• participants and spectators for indoor and outdoor sports practices, games, competitions, and tournaments
• indoor and outdoor extracurricular school-based activities, including sports
• bus, boat, and walking tours
• museums, public libraries, and the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
• indoor and outdoor events and activities such as receptions, social events, conferences, and training that are hosted by a recognized business or organization

Proof of vaccination will not be required under the provincewide policy for employees of businesses and organizations that offer these events and activities. 

It will also not be required for most places that do not facilitate formal gatherings, such as:

• rental accommodations such as hotel rooms, cottages, and campgrounds
• retail stores
• financial institutions
• food establishments that primarily offer fast food, takeout, and delivery
• professional services such as accountants and lawyers
• personal services such as hair salons, barber shops, spas, and body art
• health-care services and health professions such as doctors’ offices, dental care, massage therapy and physiotherapy
• faith services
• school-based activities that take place during the school day, before and after school programs and school buses
• business meetings and other activities where the general public is not present 
• places where government services are offered (i.e. Access Nova Scotia, Visitor Information Centres)
• food banks, shelters, Family Resource Centres and adult day programs for seniors or people with disabilities
• informal gatherings at a private residence

Businesses and organizations are encouraged to set their own vaccination policies. Any policies should take legal and ethical implications into consideration. People who are not fully vaccinated need to be able to access essential services.

We will continue to share information through the inTouch newsletter as details are confirmed.