New survey indicates Nova Scotians are split on end to COVID-19 mask mandates

HALIFAX — A new poll released today indicates Nova Scotians are split on the impending end to COVID-19 mask mandates in public places.

Halifax-based polling firm Narrative Research says 48 per cent of respondents supported the removal of mask mandates while 47 per cent were against.

The province is entering Phase 3 of the government’s reopening plan on March 21, when gathering limits, social distancing rules and mask mandates are scheduled to lift. Masking will still be enforced in high-risk settings such as hospitals.

The poll says 73 per cent of respondents supported the overall easing of restrictions, and a majority — 61 per cent — supported the removal of proof of vaccination requirements.

Forty-seven per cent said they felt the pace of easing restrictions was suitable, while 34 per cent said it was too fast.

Narrative Research polled 1,212 Nova Scotians from its online panel between March 4 to 8. The polling sample is non-probabilistic and therefore doesn’t have a margin of error.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 11, 2022.

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This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Facebook and Canadian Press News Fellowship.

The Canadian Press