Government FAQs re the Public Health Protection Order

Can veterinarians still see patients?

All veterinarians who work in private and non-for-profit (SPCA) practice, can provide in-patient emergency or urgent care services, refill prescriptions and provide virtual care services. Only veterinarians who work in not-for-profit practice with the SPCA can perform spay and neuter surgeries. No other veterinary surgeons are permitted to perform these procedures.

What about private campgrounds?

All privately operated campgrounds are closed up to and including May 1, 2020 to be reassessed after that date. Provincially operated campgrounds are also closed.

What about fishers coming into Nova Scotia to board fishing vessels or get supplies?

Fishers must follow the public health order to self-isolate for 14 days coming into the province, unless they can self-isolate on the fishing vessel for 14 consecutive days. They are not able to leave the boat for any reason, including to get supplies. They can dock and have supplies delivered if need be.

What about temporary foreign workers?

Many Nova Scotia businesses rely on temporary foreign workers. Temporary Foreign Workers are permitted to enter the province, but they must self-isolate upon arrival for 14 days, preferably onsite where they are planning to work.

What about offshore workers?

Offshore workers are permitted to enter the province for work, but they must self-isolate upon arrival for 14 days.

What about people who work and live near the border and come back and forth for work?

Healthy people who cross the border on a regular, ongoing basis for work are exempt from the self-isolation order. Other exemptions for cross-border travel into Nova Scotia include:

• healthy workers in trades and transportation sectors who move goods and people,

• health care workers

• community service workers (child protection and transition house workers)

• critical infrastructure workers (e.g. water, electricity, telecommunications)

• people travelling into the province for essential health services and one support person

• healthy workers employed by medical supply or pharmaceutical businesses

• Canadian military personnel, coast guard and RCMP

• First responders including police, fire, paramedics

• Fishing crews that arrive from another province and travel directly to a fishing vessel, where they remain at sea for a minimum of 14 consecutive calendar days

Those listed above must practice social distancing of two metres or six feet to the best of their ability, closely self-monitor, and self-isolate if they become unwell.

What organizations and professions are exempt from the social distancing requirements AND the 5-person social gathering limits?

• Hospitals

• Any court operating essential services

• Correctional facilities for adults and youth

• Probation offices

• Unlicensed child-care facilities

• Homeless shelters

• Health professions who are independent practitioners engaged in community practice specifically doctors, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, nurses, continuing care workers, home care workers, paramedics

• Emergency Medical Care Incorporated (EHS services)

• People providing care under the self-managed care program, supportive care program, care giver benefit program funded by the Province

• People who provide, service or repair medical equipment like wheelchairs and home oxygen equipment

• Residential facilities for persons with disabilities

• Residential settings for children in care of the province

• Long-term care facilities and home care agencies

• Food production plants

• Fishing vessels

Municipal entities and contractors:

• Taxi services

• Police and fire services

• Municipal utilities (water, wastewater, stormwater)

• Maintenance of utilities and municipal facilities

• Transportation

• Road maintenance/repair

• Municipal ICT systems and services

• Public Transit

• Solid Waste, garbage and litter collection and disposal

• Urban Forestry

• Municipal logistic, distribution, storage, inventory and repair services