Nova Scotia lifts remaining COVID-19 restrictions, such as mandatory isolation

Nova Scotia’s few remaining COVID-19 restrictions, including mandatory isolation for those who test positive for the disease, will be dropped Wednesday.

Chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang says it’s time to remove all restrictions because there is high vaccine coverage across the province and most people are at low risk of contracting a severe form of the disease.

Strang said today in a statement he expects “smaller waves” of virus activity over the summer, adding that while the pandemic is not over, Nova Scotians have the tools needed to keep each other safe.

Starting Wednesday it will become strongly recommended — no longer mandatory — for people who test positive for COVID-19 to isolate.

As well, the government’s advice on masking in public will shift from being strongly recommended to optional, but officials say people who test positive or who have symptoms of the disease should continue wearing masks.

Also starting Wednesday, PCR testing will be limited to people who are considered high-risk for severe COVID-19 or who live or work in a congregate setting, such as a long-term care home.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 4, 2022.

News from © Canadian Press Enterprises Inc. 2022.