Covid 19 Cases in Nova Scotia Remain Low
While most places in Canada have experienced a rise in Covid 19 cases, the numbers in Nova Scotia remain low. That is why Patrick Sullivan, who is the CEO and president of Halifax Chamber of Commerce, stated that Nova Scotia needs to relax the restrictions that they have put in place.
Patrick stated that the restrictions need to be loosened in order to allow businesses to thrive. Nova Scotia only has one active Covid 19 case. It has not had any new cases in the past six days. Nova Scotia is one of the few provinces that have made it mandatory to wear face masks in public. Officials now allow people to have gatherings of 50 or more.
It’s Time to Increase Restaurant Capacity
Patrick believes that it is time for restaurants to increase their indoor capacity. Many restaurants are starting to close outdoor dining. However, because restaurants have to enforce social distancing, they have to limit the number of customers that they serve.
Patrick also believes that the restrictions about the number of people who can be allowed in an elevator at one time. Because there cannot be more than two people in an elevator at one time, many people have not been able to work in the offices. Only 20 to 25 percent of people who work downtown have been able to return to the office.
Patrick said that the trends in Nova Scotia are looking good. He also stated that the government needs to invest more money in testing. He believes that the province should spend $77.3 million on testing.
More Testing for Business Travelers And Workers
Patrick has recommendations for people who are interested in traveling to Nova Scotia. He said that people should get tested and isolate for a few days after. Isolating for a few days after the test will eliminate the need for a second one.
There are some provinces that allow people to return without isolating. New Brunswick does not require workers to self-isolate after they come back from a trip. However, they do have to get tested on a regular basis. Newfoundland only requires people to isolate for a week if they get a negative test.
Rotational workers in Nova Scotia have to self-insolate for 14 days. Patrick stated that even though the travel season is coming to a close, businesses can still benefit from the travel.
