Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health, made the announcement in a press release Monday. “This is the right time. Although we expect to see smaller waves of COVID-19 variants in the summer, the high vaccine coverage and low risk of severe disease from the Omicron variants make it manageable as we learn to live with COVID-19.” Strang said in the release. “The pandemic is not over. But Nova Scotians have the tools and resources to make the right decisions to keep each other safe.” The statement said that starting Wednesday, isolation will be “strongly recommended,” but not mandatory, for people who test positive for COVID-19. Isolation will still be recommended for people with symptoms such as cough, sore throat or fever until they feel better. People who are sick are advised to avoid high-risk areas and people who are most at risk. Masks will also become optional, but will continue to be recommended in crowded indoor spaces, including on public transport, and for people who are sick, especially those who cannot self-isolate. Most restrictions on high-risk settings will remain. Long-term care homes, correctional facilities, shelters and transition homes will maintain a seven-day isolation period for residents who test positive for COVID-19. However, designated carers and visitors will no longer need proof of vaccination to visit. They will also be allowed to remove their masks when visiting private spaces or when outdoors. The province said this is in line with current hospital policy.
Trial availability
The statement said tests for COVID-19 will still be available for people with symptoms. People considered to be at higher risk and those who work or live in high-risk environments will have access to PCR testing and it is still recommended. However, people with low-risk symptoms will only have access to rapid tests, which are still available for pickup at public libraries and MLA offices. The announcement said asymptomatic tests will no longer be available.
