COVID-19: alerts, orders and directives
Information about the state of emergency, possible COVID-19 exposure and the Health Protection Act Order.
Possible exposure to COVID-19
Nova Scotia Health Authority Public Health is advising of potential COVID-19 exposure:
- 31 July – Potential COVID-19 exposure at Chebucto Road HRM park
- 19 July – Air Canada flight AC626, Toronto to Halifax
- 12 July – Royal Dutch Airlines / WestJet WS 254, Toronto to Halifax
Provincial State of Emergency
On 22 March 2020, the Government of Nova Scotia declared a provincial state of emergency to help contain the spread of COVID-19. The state of emergency has been extended until noon on 23 August 2020.
- Renewal of Provincial State of Emergency – 9 August 2020 (PDF 58 KB)
- Renewal of Provincial State of Emergency – 26 July 2020 (PDF 84 KB)
- Renewal of Provincial State of Emergency – 12 July 2020 (PDF 809 KB)
- Renewal of Provincial State of Emergency – 28 June 2020 (PDF 29 KB)
- Renewal of Provincial State of Emergency – 14 June 2020 (PDF 65 KB)
- Renewal of Provincial State of Emergency – 31 May 2020 (PDF 80 KB)
- Renewal of Provincial State of Emergency – 17 May 2020 (PDF 158 KB)
- Renewal of Provincial State of Emergency – 3 May 2020 (PDF 50 KB)
- Renewal of Provincial State of Emergency – 19 April 2020 (PDF 304 KB)
- Renewal of Provincial State of Emergency – 5 April 2020 (PDF 272 KB)
- Declaration of Provincial State of Emergency (PDF 42 KB)
Health Protection Act Order
To slow the spread of COVID-19, a Health Protection Act Order and public health directives are in effect, including:
- social distancing guidelines – stay 2 metres (6 feet) apart from other people
- immediately self-isolate for 14 days if you enter or have returned to Nova Scotia from outside Atlantic Canada
- reduce your business or organization operations, if required
See what the Health Protection Act Order means for Nova Scotia.
Restriction updates
The measures put in place to help contain the spread of COVID-19 are gradually changing. Keep up to date as restrictions change. As restrictions change, you need to continue to follow public health directives.
Directions and declarations
Health Authorities Act Directions
- Ministerial Directive – Redeployment of Nova Scotia Health Authority Staff (PDF 126 KB)
- Letter to NSHA Board Chair – Redeployment of NSHA Staff to Northwood Halifax Campus (PDF 125 KB)
Emergency Management Act Declaration and Orders
- Direction of Minister under a Declared State of Emergency (PDF 41 KB)
- Direction of Minister under a Declared State of Emergency 1 May 2020 (PDF 41 KB)
- Direction of Minister to Partially Lift Earlier Direction – 15 May 2020 (PDF 696 KB)
- Direction of Minister to Partially Lift Earlier Direction – 24 June 2020 (PDF 34 KB)
- Direction of Minister – Municipal Meetings (PDF 50 KB)
- Direction of Minister – Municipal Meetings 29 July (PDF 87 KB)
- Direction of Minister – Municipal Public Transit (PDF 33 KB)
- Direction of Minister – Shareholder or Member Meetings - original directive (PDF 52KB)
- Direction of Minister – Shareholder or Member Meetings (PDF 51KB)
- Direction of Minister – Village Elections (PDF 63 KB)
- Direction of Minister – Village Elections – 26 May 2020 (PDF 86 KB)
Police Act Order
Under the state of emergency police are authorized to enforce orders under the Health Protection Act. If Nova Scotians, businesses and organizations do not practise social distancing and self-isolation, they will face fines of $1,000 for individuals and $7,500 for businesses and organizations. Multiple fines can be given each day an individual, business or organization fails to comply. Police can also enforce offences under the Emergency Management Act. For example, fines for charging higher than fair market prices for goods and services.
If you're aware of someone who isn't following provincial direction, talk to them first – they may need help. If you need to call police, please call a non-emergency number for the police that serve your community. Don't call 911.
Closures and restrictions
Public health directives are in place to help contain the spread of COVID-19. See what it means for Nova Scotians.
Check the closures page for up-to-date provincial government office and facility closures.