Discover Halifax is closely monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). We are committed to offering our visitors, members, and community up-to-date information on the novel coronavirus to assist in your business and travel plans.

Our main goal is to share information that can help keep you healthy and informed. If you’re a member of Discover Halifax, please visit our corporate website for more information on financial and business resources.

Status of cases

» Find up-to-date COVID-19 testing data for Nova Scotia here.

Travelling to Nova Scotia

If you are entering Nova Scotia from other destinations, including all other provinces in Canada, must self-isolate for a period of 14 days. If you are staying with friends and family, members of the household in which you are staying must also self-isolate for 14-days from the day that you begin your stay with them.

The Atlantic travel bubble is currently suspended. All four provinces are cautioning against non-essential travel. Those who choose to travel to Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador for non-essential reasons must self-isolate for 14 days.

You can find more information on the rules and complete the province’s travel declaration form on the Province’s website.

Travel outside of Nova Scotia

Canadians who choose to travel should check the latest health notices to understand the risk associated with your destination.

» Check the Pandemic COVID-19 travel health notice.
» Check Travel Advice and Advisories for more information.

The most up-to-date travel information can be found directly via the following links:

• Halifax International Airport
• Canada Border Services Agency
• Cruise Line International Association
• VIA Rail Canada

Symptoms to watch for

Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. The list of possible symptoms now include: 

• fever (chills, sweats) OR cough (new or worsening)

OR do you have two or more of the following symptoms (new or worsening):
• sore throat
• runny nose
• headache
• shortness of breath

Some people who have COVID-19 have little to no symptoms, or think they have a cold or flu. For people with severe cases, the infection could require hospitalization, or lead to death. 

For more information, check out the Daily Checklist provided by the Province of Nova Scotia.

What to do if you’re feeling unwell

If you develop symptoms, or think you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, call 811 for assessment by a nurse, or complete the online assessment form. You may be referred to a COVID-19 assessment centre if there is a need for an in-person assessment. Please do not go to a COVID-19 assessment centre without a referral from 811. 

If language is a barrier, please consult with your tour operator or accommodation providers, as they may be able to contact a health-care professional on your behalf. 

If you are feeling unwell, the most important thing to do is self-isolate from the public for a period of 14 days.

Reopening with preventative measures

Wearing a non-medical mask is required in most indoor public spaces in Nova Scotia.

Local businesses and event venues are taking preventative measures and enhancing health protocols to protect our community and visitors. Current restrictions include:

• restaurants and licenced establishments are closed for in-person dining but may provide take-out or delivery
• retail stores must restrict shoppers and staff to 25 per cent or less of allowable capacity
• wineries, distilleries, and breweries cannot hold tastings or in-person dining and must follow retail rules in their stores (delivery and curbside pickup allowed)
• organized sports, recreational, athletic, arts, and cultural activities, faith-based activities are paused
• profit and non-profit fitness and recreational facilities closed
• libraries and museums are closed, including the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
• the casino and First Nations gaming establishments are closed

If there is a local establishment you plan to visit, please call ahead. Follow health protocols such as wearing a mask, physical distancing, and washing your hands frequently. You can also visit the province’s website for a complete list of what’s open and current restrictions in Nova Scotia.

Event gathering limits

Effective November 23, 2020, the Province of Nova Scotia adjusted gathering limits. Please refer to the provincial guidelines.

• Public gathering limits are a maximum of five people (or up to the number of people in your immediate family).
• Indoor events run by a recognized business or organization can operate at 50 per cent capacity to a maximum of 100 people, with physical distancing.
• Outdoor events run by a recognized business or organization can have up to 150 people with physical distancing.
• There are other venues, such as the Scotiabank Centre, that are permitted to have larger gatherings based on strict public-health approved safety plans.