Important CANS Update: COVID-19

April 22, 3:30 PM —

As you are aware, the number of cases of COVID-19 is quickly rising in Nova Scotia, particularly in HRM. It is more important than ever to remain vigilant and do our part to help curb the spread of the virus and keep our colleagues and family healthy and safe.

Today, Dr. Strang and Premier Rankin addressed the province and introduced new restrictions and measures to help limit the spread of COVID-19. The construction industry worked safely over the last year and we aim to do the same again while respecting all public health guidelines during this next wave.

Current & Updated Restrictions:

Restrictions on travel to Nova Scotia – People from outside Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador can only enter Nova Scotia for essential travel or if they’re a permanent resident of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador. Learn more.

Restrictions on travel in and out of HRM –

Restrictions are returning in HRM and some communities on its borders, including Hubbards, Milford, Lantz, Elmsdale, Enfield, South Uniacke, Ecum Secum and Trafalgar. People should avoid traveling into and out of these areas unless it is absolutely necessary. The restrictions are effective Friday, April 23, at 8 a.m. and will remain in effect until at least May 20.

Other community restrictions include:

  • Indoor and outdoor gathering limit of five people
  • Mandatory mask requirements in private indoor workplaces, office, or warehouses
  • No social events, special events, sports events, arts and culture, etc.
  • No meetings or training, except for mental health and addictions support groups
  • Restaurants and licensed establishments closed to seated services
  • Retail businesses and malls can operate at 25 percent capacity
  • Personal services, unregulated health professions, gyms, etc. closed

Read more for full details on the new restrictions.

Further restrictions and restriction updates – Public health directives are in place to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Learn more. The measures put in place to help contain the spread of COVID-19 are gradually changing. Keep up to date as restrictions change. As restrictions change, you need to continue to follow public health directives.

Reminders:

Practise good hygiene. It remains important for us all to strictly adhere to the public health order and directives. Practise good hand washing and other hygiene steps, maintain a physical distance when and where required. Wearing a non-medical mask is mandatory in most indoor public places, as well as on job sites where physical distancing of 6ft (2m) cannot be achieved.

Watch for symptoms. Symptoms can vary from person to person and in different age groups. Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. The severity of COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, can lead to death. Current information suggests most people don’t experience severe illness or need to be hospitalized.

Complete a COVID-19 Self-assessment and get tested. Call 811 if you think you may have been exposed OR in the past 48 hours you have had, or you are currently experiencing, any symptoms of the virus.

Self-isolation requirements: Familiarize yourself with self-isolation requirements and when you’re legally required to do so.

Specialized worker exceptions from self-isolation: Workers from another Canadian province or territory (outside Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador) and workers from outside Canada who are exempt from self-isolation under the federal Quarantine Act can receive an exception to the self-isolation requirement for urgent and critical on-site infrastructure work that’s crucial for the province to function. Learn more.

Questions? If you have any questions or need clarification on current restrictions and how they impact your business, please get in touch with us. We will work on your behalf to seek additional guidance from Public Health, the Department of Labour and Advanced Education, Construction Safety Nova Scotia, etc. Email questions to questions@cans.ns.ca.

Stay informed: Please be advised that should we receive more information that impacts the construction industry, we will update you as soon as possible. CANS COVID-19 Resource Centre is updated daily and can help you stay safe and informed throughout the ongoing pandemic. Through this resource, we have compiled the latest information from government and industry.