Although Nova Scotia declared a state of emergency (PDF) on March 22 to help contain the spread of COVID-19, it has not issued a general order closing all businesses. The state of emergency will be in effect for 14 days and may be renewed.
Pursuant to an Order dated March 26 of the Medical Officer of Health (PDF), all for-profit businesses and organizations operating or carrying on business in Nova Scotia may continue to operate but must implement social distancing of two metres or six feet within these workplaces. Any for-profit business or organization carrying on business in Nova Scotia that cannot, due to its physical size, maintain this social distancing requirement must limit the number of customers or clients on its premises to no more than five persons at a time. However, the five-person rule does not apply to businesses which can maintain social distancing requirements, including without limitation, grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, convenience stores, construction sites, financial institutions, and agrifood and fish plants. The foregoing social distancing requirement and five-person limit do not apply to food production plants.
Personal services, like hair salons, barber shops, spas, nail salons, body art establishments, and all fitness establishments, like gyms, must close. Restaurants are restricted to take-out and delivery orders only.
