Province eases COVID-19 restrictions on practices, rehearsals

The province is easing restrictions on the number of people who can take part in sports practices and arts rehearsals, starting Feb. 7. 

Practices and rehearsals will be allowed to have up to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors, the province said on Friday.

Multiple groups, games or performances remain prohibited. Spectators are also still not allowed.

This decision is in line with Nova Scotia’s cautious approach to the pandemic, Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health, said in a news release.

“We’re taking this initial step because we recognize the physical and mental health benefits of having full sports practices and rehearsals for arts and culture performances,” Strang said.

A decision on easing other restrictions is soon to come, the release said.

At the province’s last COVID-19 briefing on Jan. 26, Strang announced the extension of current restrictions until Feb. 14.

Premier Tim Houston said at that briefing that the Feb. 7 loosening of restrictions on sports and arts and culture was a goal. The next goal is to have performances and games, possibly still without fans, resume on Feb. 14, Houston said.