'Bursting the bubble': Nova Scotians can gather in groups of 10 without physical distancing

N.S. lifting more restrictions After nine days with no new COVID-19 cases, province relaxes some of the rules. Nick Moore reports.

HALIFAX — The Nova Scotia government is “bursting the bubble” and allowing residents to “get that long-awaited hug.”

Premier Stephen McNeil announced Thursday that Nova Scotians can now gather in groups of 10 without physical distancing.

“Effective today, we are bursting the bubble,” said McNeil during a news conference in Halifax.

“We know that a lot of you have been waiting for months to come in close contact with people you love. Dr. Strang and I are happy to tell you, you can finally get that long-awaited hug from your grandchild, a parent or a close friend.”

McNeil said those who gather in a group of 10 are not required to be exclusive, but he is urging Nova Scotians to maintain a consistent group -- especially those who are more at risk of complications from COVID-19.

Increase to social gathering limit

McNeil also announced an increase to the 10-person social gathering limit.

Up to 50 people can now gather at social events, including faith gatherings, weddings, and arts and culture events such as theatre performances, dance recitals, festivals and concerts.

The 50-person rule also applies to funerals and sports and physical activities.

However, McNeil said those in attendance must still maintain a physical distance of two metres, or six feet.

He said social gatherings can be held inside, but only if physical distancing can be maintained.

“Let’s not forget the other core principles,” said the premier. “Washing your hands, good hygiene, and wearing a mask when you feel that it is necessary, and definitely when you can’t maintain physical distancing.”

Businesses

Businesses that are too small to ensure physical distancing can have up to 10 people on their premises at a time.

Playgrounds

Playgrounds can reopen, starting Thursday.

“To the kids out there, your playgrounds are open. So hit the slide, climb the monkey bars or swing high, and most importantly, have fun and be safe,” said McNeil.

However, the province said municipalities and playground owners will need time to prepare them for reopening, so they may not reopen right away.

The Halifax Regional Municipality confirmed Thursday that it is reopening all municipal playgrounds immediately.

Atlantic 'bubble' and easing travel restrictions

McNeil said talks about a tourism “bubble” between the Atlantic Canadian provinces are ongoing among the four premiers and he hopes to announce a date soon.

The bubble would allow Atlantic Canadians to travel within the four provinces without having to self-isolate.

McNeil also said he hopes to further ease travel restrictions so Canadians outside the Atlantic provinces can also visit Nova Scotia this summer.

“Dr. Strang and I are discussing about opening ourselves up with the Atlantic bubble, with our Atlantic colleagues, and that will be our first step,” said McNeil.

“And the next step after that will be opening up our province to the rest of Canada. We have to be open to this because tourism is one of the most important industries.”

No dates have been set at this time, but McNeil said he hopes to ease travel restrictions next month.

“It is my hope that towards the end of the second week of July, third week of July, that we’ll be opening up our province to the country,” said McNeil.

Visitors would not have to self-isolate for 14 days, but public health protocols, such as maintaining physical distance, will still have to be followed.

“When we open up our province, these public health protocols will be put in place and we’ll have to continue to follow them,” said McNeil. “As we do that, if there is a second wave, we won’t kind of get the spike like we did in the midst of this one, or like other Canadian provinces did, and we’ll be able to continue to keep our economy going.”

Update on Dr. Strang

McNeil also provided an update on Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health, who recently underwent a minor surgical procedure for skin cancer.

Strang announced on June 10 that he would be having the surgery in New Brunswick and would self-isolate for 14 days upon returning to Nova Scotia.

“Dr. Strang and I have been talking on the phone this week and he’s asked me to let you know that his procedure went well and he’s doing fine and he continues to self-isolate at home,” said McNeil on Thursday.

No new COVID-19 cases

The further easing of COVID-19 restrictions comes as the province continues its streak of no new cases.

Thursday marks the ninth day Nova Scotia has reported no new cases of COVID-19. The last new case was reported on June 9.

“The good doctor and I have been very encouraged to see several days in a row of no new cases of COVID,” said McNeil.

“That’s thanks to all of you who have been following the public health protocols and also because we are flattening the curve.”

The total number of confirmed cases remains at 1,061.

The QEII Health Sciences Centre's microbiology lab completed 580 Nova Scotia tests on Wednesday.

To date, Nova Scotia has 50,240 negative test results.

The province isn’t reporting any additional deaths. Sixty-two Nova Scotians have died from COVID-19, including 53 residents of Halifax’s Northwood long-term care facility, which has seen the most significant outbreak in the province.

There are no active COVID-19 cases at Northwood, or at any other long-term care homes in the province.

Still 2 active cases

The province isn’t reporting any additional recoveries at this time. There are still 997 resolved cases and two active cases of the virus in Nova Scotia.

There are still two people in hospital, including one patient in an intensive care unit.

The confirmed cases range in age from under 10 to over 90.

Sixty-two per cent of cases are female and 38 per cent are male.

The provincial government says cumulative cases by the Nova Scotia Health Authority’s four zones may change as data is updated in Panorama, the province’s electronic information system.

The numbers now reflect where a person lives, and not where their sample was collected.

Symptoms and self-isolation

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is required to self-isolate at home, away from the public, for 14 days.

Anyone who travels outside of Nova Scotia must also self-isolate for two weeks.

Last month, the province expanded the list of symptoms for which it is screening

Anyone who experiences one of the following symptoms is encouraged to take an online test to determine if they should call 811 for further assessment:

The Nova Scotia government announced last Friday that the provincial state of emergency has been extended.

The order took effect at noon on Sunday and will remain in effect until June 28, unless the government terminates or extends it.