Nova Scotia premier declares state of emergency effective immediately for province
Posted March 22, 2020 10:22 am.
Last Updated March 22, 2020 10:23 am.
HALIFAX (NEWS 1130) — Premier Stephen McNeil has declared a provincial state of emergency, saying people are blatantly ignoring the calls for social distancing.
McNeil said that over the weekend, he had seen a large number of people gathering in public parks, at beaches, and at social gatherings.
The premier told the public this was unacceptable, and the province was moving to enact and enforce more strict measures.
“This decision was not made lightly,” McNeil said.
Following the announcement, the province implemented some of the strictest measures in the fight against COVID-19 in Canada.
As of Monday morning, groups are limited to a maximum of five people, and anyone who enters the province has to self-isolate for 14 days.
Police have also been given the power to fine those failing to keep a distance. Individuals will be fined $1,000, and businesses can be fined up to $7,500.
The province announced seven new cases of COVID-19 Sunday, bringing the provincial total up to 28.
