COVID-19 Update for CANS Members – May 19, 2021

Summary of Provincial Announcements and Restrictions

Government Extends Provincial Lockdown

The current public health restrictions will remain in place across Nova Scotia until at least the second week of June. Read today’s news release for more information.

Click here for more information and updates to the current restrictions.

Travel within Nova Scotia
Remain as close to your home and community as possible and do not travel outside of your municipality unless travel is essential. Detailed information is available online here.

Travel into Nova Scotia

As of today, May 19, permanent residents of Nova Scotia will no longer have to wait for approval when they apply to enter the province via the Nova Scotia Safe Check-in. They will receive an automatic conditional approval, but still must show proof of permanent residency at the border. This change will be made in the Nova Scotia Safe Check-in system overnight.

Rotational workers need to do the full application process for their first trip back to Nova Scotia since May 14. They will be asked for documentation showing they are a rotational worker and the name and location of their worksite. For each subsequent trip, they will get approval faster because they will have been already confirmed as rotational workers.

Testing & Isolation Requirements
If you feel unwell, assume you have COVID-19 – book a test at a primary assessment site and isolate until you receive your test results. Those with no symptoms are strongly encouraged to use pop-up sites if they are not showing symptoms but want to be tested. Learn more about testing and isolation requirements.

Workplace Safety – Useful Resources

When possible, employees must work from home. If you can’t work from home, you must be vigilant about wearing masks. Mask wearing is required:

• in common areas (like offices, warehouses, or break rooms)
• if you’re interacting with the public
• anywhere you can’t maintain a minimum physical distance of 2 metres (6 feet) from another person

Stagger start times and break times or create flexible hours to limit the number of people gathering in a break room or hallways. Post gathering limits on employee common areas and increase frequency of cleaning and disinfection in high traffic areas, high contact surfaces and washrooms.

Consult the COVID-19 Prevention Plan Checklist for businesses and organizations to create a healthy workplace.

Business Support – Programs for Recovery

Small Business Impact Grant Part 3 is a one-time grant of up to $5,000 to eligible businesses that have been directly affected by public health measures in April 2021. As of today, May 19, the grant is available to eligible businesses that did not previously receive it. Learn more about all of the provincial business supports here.

Find more financial resources and programs for recovery on CANS COVID-19 Information Centre. Click here to see what’s available in May 2021.

Vaccine Information – When it’s your turn, get vaccinated

To protect yourself from COVID-19, it is important getting vaccinated. When your age group is eligible, book the soonest appointment available.

As of May 17, people age 30 and older are eligible for a Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine appointment. Click here to book your appointment and learn more about Nova Scotia’s immunization plan and vaccine rollout.

CANS COVID-19 Information Centre

Looking for the latest information about COVID-19? CANS has compiled the latest information and its impact on the construction industry in our CANS COVID-19 Information Centre.

Please keep us informed to help us advocate on your behalf. Email your questions to questions@cans.ns.ca.