The provincial government is loosening more restrictions in Nova Scotia.
Premier Stephen McNeil says they are introducing the “immediate family bubble”, which will allow two immediate family households to come together without physical distancing.
He warns people to be careful about who they share with.
“We want to reconnect families but we can’t put anyone at risk. We need you to do it safely. You cannot do this with more than one household and you cannot take visitors.”
The Premier says if someone is in a high risk job, they should not be in a bubble with older family members.
Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health, says the “immediate family bubble” is a critical step in allowing us to have more social connections.
” Connecting with family and friends is critically important for our collective mental health and for sustaining a positive sense of community. We’ve asked you to stay at home, away from family and friends unless it was essential. I know how hard that has been for everybody but, despite that, people have listened.”
He says this does not mean families can get together in large groups for barbecues and reunions and that people should take it slow and considered how close interaction could affect the families.
Dr. Strang also says they are carefully optimistic.
“For the last week, we have seen low case numbers. Our collective actions are flattening the curve. That’s why, in discussions with the Premier, we feel it’s the right time to talk about more opportunities for social connection but doing that carefully and safely.”
Other restrictions being loosened include:
— archery, equestrianism, golf, paddling, sailing/boating and tennis can resume at outdoor facilities as of Saturday, May 16 at 8 a.m. provided social distancing, environmental cleaning and participant hygiene can be maintained; organized coaching or training, competitions, tournaments, regattas or similar events are not permitted
— public beaches can also reopen as of May 16 at 8 a.m.; people must stay two metres apart and not gather in groups of more than five
— the province-wide ban on open fires – those within 305 metres (1,000 feet) of woods anywhere in the province including domestic brush burning and beach fires – has been extended to Monday, June 1 at 11:59 p.m. Use of backyard appliances like chimneys and fire pits will be temporarily permitted for households. The ban does not apply to private campgrounds.
