*Updated* COVID-19 Updates: NS declares state of emergency
Sunday, March 22, 2020
Premier McNeil announces state of emergency in Nova Scotia
Sunday, March 22 –
Premier Stephen McNeil has declared a provincial state of emergency in Nova Scotia as of Sunday morning, March 22, 2020. The move is an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19 and will strengthen the special measures and restrictions on public movement already in place.
Among the new measures, Nova Scotia’s provincial borders will be tightened and self-isolation will be required for anyone who has travelled outside of the province. Gatherings are now restricted to groups of no more than five. Those in violation of the social-distancing and self-isolation orders will be issued fines.
“Fines for individuals found in breach of the orders are $1,000 for each offence each day, while business and corporations face $7,500 for every breach,” said Justice Minister Mark Furey.
“People can be fined on multiple days if they fail to comply with the law,” Furey said.
It should be noted that the government has identified several groups who are essential and exempt from gathering limits. They include but are not limited to grocery stores, gas stations, and pharmacies. If possible, one person per family should be designated to do these tasks. Other groups include construction sites, health-care services, community services (e.g. child protection) and criminal justice services, and law enforcement.
CANS is working closely with government to proactively provide leadership in a responsible, responsive and cooperative manner. Nova Scotia’s industries are looking not only for short term relief but also with an eye to the future to ensure that when this eventually passes, we will be in a position to ensure that the recovery period is as short as is possible.
Social distancing and self-isolation are no longer suggestions. Historically, the construction industry is well-versed in public safety, let us be leaders in our response to maintaining public safety and economic stability.
We further recommend that members clearly and deliberately demonstrate compliance and the strictest enforcement. Only if this occurs, will firms be able to operate. We also recommend that members take measures to ensure the security of their sites in the event that policy further restrict business operations in the coming days.
We will continue to seek clarification on interprovincial movement of goods and workers.