Nova Scotia Buzz
On March 22 2020, the Province of Nova Scotia declared a state of emergency to help contain the spread of COVID-19. The state of emergency has been extended until noon on May 3, 2020.
Cabinet met Thursday, April 16 by teleconference and agreed to ask the Lieutenant Governor to extend the state of emergency for another two weeks.
The order will take effect at noon Sunday, April 19 until noon Sunday, May 3, unless government terminates or extends it.
Premier McNeil says, “Even though Public Health has turned their mind to what may look like loosening restrictions, he (Dr. Strang) doesn’t mean this weekend or the weeks ahead of us, it’s in the weeks to come, but we are looking at that.”
Reasons States Of Emergency Are Declared
It gives the government the authority to do what’s necessary for the safety of people and the protection of property and the environment.
Specifically, it allows authorities to:
- control or prohibit travel
- enter homes and buildings without warrant
- order evacuations
- confiscate property
- order assistance
Nova Scotia will be monitoring its borders. This means the border with New Brunswick, the Marine Atlantic ferries in North Sydney and Bay Ferries in Digby. As well as the airports like Halifax Stanfield which has flights arriving from outside of province. Anyone entering will be ordered to self isolate for 14 days.
What Citizens Need To Do
During a state of emergency, you need to listen to direction given by authorities. You also need to obey orders given by the Government of Nova Scotia or a municipality.
In this case it would be not to gather in groups larger than five while still maintaining social distancing. It also means to isolate for 14 days upon arrival in Nova Scotia from another province or country.
Fines for individuals found to be disregarding the orders are $1,000 per day and for businesses $7500 per day.
No Inflation Or Gouging On Essential Items And Services
It is an offence to inflate the price of essential items and services during a state of emergency. This includes items like water, food, clothing, essential equipment and medical supplies.
If you have been the victim of gouging, keep your receipts and contact the police to report any suspected case of price inflation during a state of emergency.
