The Nova Scotia border Entrance from New Brunswick. Photo: Nova Scotia Government
Premier Stephen McNeil announced tighter restrictions are coming for Nova Scotia’s border with New Brunswick due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the region.
The change comes into effect on Saturday, January 9 at 8:00 a.m.
According to McNeil, the move comes in response to a recent increase in case numbers in New Brunswick.
Once the new regulations come into effect, anyone entering Nova Scotia will be required to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival.
People entering Nova Scotia from New Brunswick also must complete the Nova Scotia Safe Check-in form before arriving and beginning self-isolation. Nova Scotians who are returning from New Brunswick must also self-isolate for 14 days, unless they are exempt from the order.
A statement from the province clarifies that those who regularly cross the provincial border for work do not have to isolate and can get a pass from border officials to display in their vehicle.
McNeil pleaded with people to respect the new regulation, “What we’re asking here is do not go to New Brunswick, and New Brunswickers don’t come here unless it is for essential purposes.”
McNeil, who was flanked by Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health at Friday’s briefing, did not state how long the province plans keep the border restriction in place, but added the province will be communicating with its counterparts in New Brunswick throughout the coming weeks to determine a suitable date for reopening.
