Provincewide COVID-19 restrictions will be eased over three phases, starting on Monday, February 14.

Throughout the first two phases, masks will continue to be required in indoor public places and proof of full vaccination will continue to be required for discretionary activities. These restrictions may also continue in Phase 3, depending on epidemiology.

Each phase is expected to last about a month. Moving to the next phase will depend on epidemiology, hospitalizations, case activity in long-term care facilities and employee absenteeism.

See the Reopening Plan

Phase 1 (as of February 14):

Travel restrictions

• Travel restrictions for domestic travellers coming to Nova Scotia are now lifted. People travelling from other Canadian provinces and territories no longer need to isolate when they arrive in Nova Scotia and do not need to complete a form.
• International travellers will still follow federal rules. Note, the federal government has also announced a series of adjustments to the current border measures that will go in to effect as of February 28, 2022. 

Gathering Limits

• The informal gathering limit indoors and outdoors will be 25 people from the same household or close social group; physical distance and proof of full vaccination are not required; masks are not required except in indoor public places.
• The formal gathering limit for gatherings and events hosted by a recognized business or organization will be 50 per cent of capacity indoors and outdoors.
• Examples of formal gatherings include festivals, special events, social gatherings, regular faith services, wedding ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and associated visitation, receptions, meetings, training, and spectators at sports events, performances and movie theatres.

Sports, Arts and Culture

• Professional and amateur sports participants (like players, coaches and referees) and arts and culture participants (like actors, performers and directors) are limited to 60 indoors and outdoors
• They can have practices, training, regular league games, rehearsals and performances; tournaments are not allowed
• Physical distance is not required; masks are recommended when possible indoors and outdoors
• Spectators are allowed following the formal gathering limit.

Fitness, Recreation and Leisure

• Fitness, recreation and leisure businesses and organizations can operate at 75 per cent capacity
• These limits apply to fitness facilities like gyms, yoga studios, pools and arenas; to recreation and leisure activities like dance and music lessons, indoor play places, arcades, shooting ranges, dog training; and to museums and libraries
• Personal training is allowed with as much physical distance as possible
• Day camps and before and after school programs can operate with groups of up to 30 campers, staff and volunteers.

Businesses

• Retail businesses and malls can operate at the maximum capacity possible with physical distance and masks.
• Personal services like hair salons can resume offering services that require removing masks; they can already operate at the maximum capacity possible with physical distance.
• Food establishments and liquor-licensed establishments can operate at 75 per cent capacity; there is a limit of 25 people per table; they must stop dine-in service by midnight and close by 1 a.m.; takeout, drive-thru and delivery can operate later; performers follow the limits for arts and culture participants.