N.S. Imposes More Restrictions, Revises Testing Approach – December 21, 2021

Tim Houston, the premier of Nova Scotia, and Dr. Robert Strang, the province's chief medical officer of health, provide a virtual update on the provincial response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The province has reported a record number of COVID-19 cases in recent days and tighter public-health restrictions are being imposed in response. Restrictions will be in effect from December 22 at 6 a.m. until at least January 12. New measures include lower gathering limits for informal indoor and outdoor gatherings, restrictions at long-term care facilities, more masking requirements, and a 50-per-cent capacity limit for most businesses. Nova Scotia is also changing its testing approach in order to keep with demand. PCR tests will now only be available to those who are symptomatic, a close contact of a confirmed case, at an increased risk for severe disease, or live in a congregate living setting. (no interpretation)