N.S. premier says reopening plan could shift if COVID activity spikes

Nova Scotia's premier says he is hoping to open up to the other provinces by the end of the month, but adds things could change if there are spikes in cases.

Recently, Newfoundland and Labrador as well as New Brunswick announced they would begin welcoming travellers from the rest of Canada as early as July 1, as long as certain criteria is met.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Nova Scotia Premier Iain Rankin said that our province will take a more cautious approach.

“Phase 3 is the time that we're comfortable looking at the Atlantic region because, as a whole, the Atlantic region has kept cases lower per capita than other parts of the country,” he said.

Rankin says he and Dr. Robert Strang, the province's chief medical officer of health, are asking people to understand that things could change depending on COVID activity here or other parts of the country.

“I do think people should be comfortable starting to book their vacations and hotels for June 30 for the Atlantic, and beyond the Atlantic for July 14,” he said. “But recognize that if things happen, that we'll have to shift.”

Nova Scotia recently unveiled its reopening plan which did not include set dates, but aims to potentially allow travellers from Atlantic provinces to enter without self isolation by June 30, and the rest of Canada by July 14 depending on COVID activity and vaccination rates.