Masks Mandatory in Nova Scotia

USPA NEWS - On July 24, 2020, COVID-19 press conference, Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil and Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robert Strang announced that as of July 31, 2020, it will become mandatory for everyone to wear a non-medical mask in most indoor public places in Nova Scotia.

This latest announcement follows the announcement last week which would make it mandatory to wear a non-medical mask on all public transit and ferries as of today, July 24th.

During the press conference announcement, Premier Stephen McNeil said, "As we open our economy, our schools, and our communities, we must continue to be vigilant to minimize the impact of a second wave of COVID-19." Non-medical masks must now be worn in the following indoor public areas: restaurants and bars except during consumption of food or drink, retail businesses including shopping malls, personal grooming services such as hair and nail salons, church services including related gatherings, sporting and conference facilities, indoor concert facilities, movie theatres,  places for sports and recreational activities, such as a gym, pool or indoor tennis facility, except while doing an activity where a mask can not be worn, municipal or provincial government buildings where services to the public are offered, public areas in hotels, train or bus stations, ferry terminals along with airports, and public areas within colleges/universities.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang had this to say, "Nova Scotians have made a habit of all the other core public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and now it's time to also make a habit of wearing a non-medical mask in most indoor public settings.  I have confidence that Nova Scotians will do the right thing and take care of each other by wearing masks in these settings."

Dr. Strang was asked why was the decision to make masks mandatory made now when COVID-19 cases are very low as opposed to earlier on when cases were much higher. He responded to the question by explaining that the medical evidence supporting the benefits has evolved over the last number of months and now supports that by wearing non-medical masks can reduce the spread of the virus. Dr. Strang went on to say that with a potential second wave of COVID-19  being anticipated for the fall, now is the right time for people to accept that masks are the new normal and to include mask-wearing in daily life as a way to combat future outbreaks.

There is a medical exemption in certain cases, but Dr. Strang advised that there are only a few valid medical reasons that would prevent a person from wearing a mask, and people should not be going out of their way to find a reason not to wear a mask when required. Although Law Enforcement will not be enforcing this new rule each business or service provider has the right to refuse entrance or services if people do not follow the mandatory mask rule. For more information on the mandatory mask rule and any exemptions please visit the Province of Nova Scotia COVID-19 website:https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/