Provinces have been releasing plans for easing restrictions that were put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19. Here is what some of the provinces have announced so far
Provinces have been releasing plans for easing restrictions that were put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Here’s a look at what some of the provinces have announced so far.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Starting Monday, June 8, groups of up to 20 people will be permitted, as long as they observe physical distancing.
Up to 19 people will be allowed on public transit, and retail stores can reopen with restrictions.
Travel within the province will also be permitted, including to second homes, campgrounds and parks.
And 11 government service centres will reopen to offer in-person services that can be booked by appointment, including written tests, driver exams and identification photos.
Newfoundland and Labrador announced on May 29 that “bubbles” that had been limited to two households could invite six additional people into their circle.
Small gatherings for funerals, burials and weddings had already been allowed with a limit of 10 people following physical distancing rules. However, parties or other social gatherings are still banned.
Outdoor games of tennis have been allowed to resume, though players must bring their own equipment, and not share it.
Pet grooming services began operating May 25, with companies ordered to ensure their employees have personal protective equipment.
WATCH l What are the risks of eating at a restaurant?
An infectious disease specialist answers questions about the risks of eating at a restaurant as they reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic. 2:57
Municipal parks, golf courses and driving ranges can open and recreational hunting and fishing are permitted.
The province is in Level 4 in its five-level reopening plan, allowing some businesses such as law firms and other professional services to reopen along with regulated child-care centres, with some restrictions.
At Level 3, private health clinics, such as optometrists and dentists, will be allowed to open, as well as medium-risk businesses such as clothing stores and hair salons. Overnight camping will also be permitted at level three, though there’s no word yet when that will happen.
At Level 2, some small gatherings will be allowed, and businesses with performance spaces and gyms are to reopen.
Level 1 would represent “the new normal.”
Nova Scotia
On May 29, Premier Stephen McNeil announced a new gathering limit of 10 people, doubling the limit of five that was imposed in late March.
Physical distancing of two metres is still required, except among members of the same household or family “bubble.” The limit is the same indoors and outdoors, with exceptions for outdoor weddings and funeral services which can have 15 people.
The gathering limit also applies to arts and culture activities such as theatre performances and dance recitals, faith gatherings, and sports and physical activity. Businesses such as theatres, concerts, festivals and sporting activities also must adhere to the 10-person limit.
Private campgrounds can now reopen, but only at 50 per cent capacity and they must ensure public health protocols are followed, including adequate distancing between campsites.
Provincial campgrounds are scheduled to open June 15 at reduced capacity to ensure a minimum of six metres between individual sites.
Most businesses ordered shut in late March were allowed to reopen on June 5, if they have a plan that follows physical distancing protocols. The list of businesses includes bars and restaurant dining rooms, hair salons, barber shops, gyms and yoga studios, among others.
Some health providers will also be able to reopen, including dentistry, optometry, chiropractic and physiotherapy offices. Veterinary services will be allowed to operate along with some unregulated professions, such as massage therapy, podiatry and naturopathy.
WATCH l Nova Scotia gyms prepare to reopen under COVID-19 restrictions:
Gyms and other fitness studios will be allowed to reopen on Friday, if ready. The CBC’s Colleen Jones reports on what the experience will be like for people who decide to return. 2:19
McNeil earlier announced there would be no return to school this year, and a decision on reopening daycares would be made by June 8.
However, the province has announced an exemption to allow some public celebrations for high school graduations. Community organizations, businesses or municipalities are being allowed to hold celebrations to recognize graduates because of the loss of traditional graduation ceremonies. Strict physical distancing rules will apply. The exemption will last from June 8 to June 30.
Trails and provincial and municipal parks can now reopen along with garden centres, nurseries and similar businesses, but playground equipment is still off limits.
Public beaches have reopened along with outdoor activities like archery, horseback riding, golf, paddling, boating and tennis, with the proviso that physical distancing and hygiene be maintained. Sport fishing is permitted and people can attend boating, yacht or sailing clubs for the purpose of preparing boats for use.
Drive-in religious services are now allowed if people stay in their cars, park two metres apart and there are no interactions between people.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island has extended its public health emergency until June 14.
Premier Dennis King says people wanting to travel to seasonal residences must apply beginning June 1 and will be put through a risk assessment before approval. Seasonal residents will also be tested for COVID-19 before completing the two weeks they must spend in self-isolation after arriving in the province.
WATCH l Male-dominated jobs in Canada among the first to bounce back amid reopening:
As the Canadian economy reopens, more of the jobs bouncing back are in traditionally male sectors, such as construction and manufacturing. 1:54
The province moved into the third phase of its reopening plan June 1, which allows such things as in-house dining at restaurants, small groups to participate in recreational and some sporting activities and libraries to reopen. Phase 3 also allows gatherings of up to 15 people indoors and 20 people outdoors and the reopening of child-care centres.
Family and friends can also visit residents at long-term care homes. The visits require an appointment and must take place outdoors.
Under Phase 2, non-contact outdoor recreational activities were permitted, and retail businesses could reopen with physical distancing measures in place.
Priority non-urgent surgeries and select health-service providers, including physiotherapists, optometrists and chiropractors, resumed on May 1.
The P.E.I. legislature resumed May 26.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick moved to the “yellow phase” of its COVID-19 recovery plan on May 22, allowing barbers and hair stylists to reopen as well as churches and fitness facilities. Dental care, massage, chiropractors and other “close contact” businesses and services could also reopen.
But the Campbellton r