Modified Phase 5 Of Reopening Plan

USPA NEWS - As of today, October 4th, Nova Scotia has moved into the phase 5 of it's reopening plan, but will proceed using a "cautious approach." Some restrictions will be lifted, but some will remain in place. Masking rules are still in place, but gathering limits have increased and border protocol which has been in place is now applicable to anyone traveling into Nova Scotia. Vaccination status will determine any quarantine that will be required upon entering the province.

Today, Nova Scotia is announcing 86 new cases along with 94 recoveries, which drops the total active case count to 231 of which 16 are hospitalized.

With the proof-of-vaccination policy taking effect, it now means anyone aged 12 and up are now required to prove they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to access non-essential services and activities. People will need to produce an acceptable immunization record before being permitted to enter venues such as restaurants, sport facilities, gyms and theatres. Please see the following link for complete details. https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/proof-of-full-vaccination-policy/

Also Nova Scotia has introduced a “Mandatory Vaccination Policy” meaning that full vaccination will be requited for the following: Nova Scotia Health Authority and IWK Health Centre employees, workers in long-term care facilities and home-care agencies (licensed and unlicensed) public school teachers, pre-primary and other school-based staff, regional and board, office staff, and those providing services in schools, including cafeteria and school bus services, Hearing and Speech Nova Scotia, residential facilities and day programs funded by the Department of Community Services, Services Disability Support Program, workers in facilities and those providing placements for children and youth in the care of the Minister of Community Services (excluding foster family placements), paramedics, LifeFlight nurses and some other staff at EHS, physicians, other service providers to the above organizations; for example hairdressers and contractors, correctional officers, youth workers, staff volunteers, visitors, contractors, service providers who work in, or provide service to, adult or youth correctional facilities, early childhood educators and staff in regulated child care, as well as any volunteers, work placement students or other professionals entering these settings, and correctional officers. Each individual must provide proof of full vaccination on or before Nov. 30, 2021. Those who choose not to be vaccinated must attend an education program before Nov. 30th and if they still refuse to be fully vaccinated by then, they will be placed on unpaid administrative leave. Vaccination status will be a hiring condition for any new employment.

In a media briefing last week, Premier Tim Houston said, "Simply put, our vaccination rates are not high enough and we need to protect those who can't protect themselves. People have had ample opportunities to get vaccinated but there are still too many people who are choosing not to protect themselves and others."

Health Minister Michelle Thompson speaking at the same briefing said, "The COVID-19 vaccines are safe, they are effective, and they are our best defense against the virus that has taken the lives of 97 Nova Scotians."

Dr Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health concluded by saying, ‘The fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is being driven by the spread of the aggressive delta variant, has already put our health-care system under pressure. The reality is, we can't fully relax, even if we are fully vaccinated. We need to work to keep the virus spread under control. Even though we are opening up in some areas, we all need to pay as much attention to personal measures as we did in previous waves." He is urging each person to continue doing their part by practicing regular hand-washing, masking, staying home from work when not feeling well, getting tested if you think you have symptoms of COVID-19 and most importantly getting vaccinated.