N.S. announces 'near full-lockdown measures' for Halifax area as COVID-19 cases continue to climb

Halifax area going into 'near-complete' lockdown Surging case numbers – the highest in months – prompt officials to re-impose strict conditions. Sarah Plowman reports.

HALIFAX — As Nova Scotia reports 38 new cases of COVID-19 – the largest single-day case increase in nearly one year – the province's premier announced tighter restrictions in the Halifax area and some surrounding communities in order to help curb the spread of the virus.

"We are using these restrictions as a circuit breaker to prevent our case count from increasing," said Premier Iain Rankin. "We are taking quick action to limit the opportunity for the virus to spread any further in local communities."

During a news conference on Thursday, Rankin said effective 8 a.m. on Friday tightened measures will be put into place, which apply to the Halifax Regional Municipality, as well as the communities of Hubbards, Milford, Lantz, Elmsdale, Enfield, South Uniacke, Ecum Secum, and Trafalgar.

Public health says people should avoid travelling into and out of any of these areas unless it is necessary travel, which includes for school, work, health care, legal requirements, and family visitation under the purview of the Department of Community Services.

"Travel for shopping, social events, family visits, practices, or rehearsals are not considered necessary," wrote the province in a news release on Thursday.

The new restrictions, which will be in place until at least May 20, include:

"We understand this is disruptive, but it is necessary to regain control of the virus," said Dr. Robert Strang, the province's chief medical officer of health. "I'm asking all Nova Scotians, especially residents in these areas, to do their part to help us fight COVID-19 by supporting and following these restrictions."

Strang says outdoor activities are still encouraged for "physical and mental wellbeing" as long as gathering limits are being followed. Officials reminded Nova Scotians that anyone who does not listen to gathering limits can be fined. That fine is $1,000 for each person present at an illegal gathering.

SEVERAL DARTMOUTH SCHOOLS MOVE TO ONLINE LEARNING

Amid a return of lockdown restrictions for the Halifax Regional Municipality, several schools in Dartmouth, N.S. are moving to virtual learning for two weeks due to COVID-19 outbreak.

"Our schools are being impacted by increased COVID-19 activity. That's why some schools will be closed for two weeks starting tomorrow," said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer of Health during Thursday’s update.

Beginning Friday, April 23, the following schools, which are in an area of increased COVID-19 activity, will close to students and move to at-home learning for a two-week period:

All other public schools and daycares in the province will continue with in-school learning at this time, however, masks will be mandatory for all students effective April 23.

NOVA SCOTIANS ENCOURAGED TO SEEK ASYMPTOMATIC TESTING

Public health is strongly encouraging Nova Scotians to seek asymptomatic COVID-19 testing, particularly if they have had several social interactions, even with their own social circle.

COVID-19 tests can be booked through the provinces online self-assessment COVID-19 tool, or by calling 811.

People can also visit one of Nova Scotia’s many rapid pop-up testing sites that continue to operate throughout the province.