Nova Scotia industries impacted by the latest round of COVID-19 restrictions from the Omicron wave say they feel the worst may be over with, as the province moves into the first phase of its COVID-19 recovery plan.
The limit for informal gatherings has increased to 25 people from 10 people, but formal events such as weddings, funerals and faith services can still only operate at 50 per cent capacity. All restrictions for domestic travellers are lifted, while retail businesses and malls can operate at maximum capacity with physical distancing and masks.
Sports, arts and culture events can resume with participants limited to 60 indoors and outdoors. They will be able to have practices, training, regular league games, rehearsals and performances, but tournaments will not be allowed.
That’s welcome news to those with Neptune Theatre, who plan to once again reopen to the public come March 1.
“We’re really excited and looking forward to opening the doors,” said Lisa Bugden, general manager of Neptune Theatre. “”Of course it’s challenging when you’re unable to open, but we recognize that these measures, that these restrictions have been put in place to keep the public safe.”
Bugden says in a typical year, government funding is about 10 per cent of their overall operating budget. Now, it’s the reverse as a result of the pandemic.
“We’ve had numerous supports from multiple levels of government and we would not be open but for that support,” she said.
The reopening plan is also exciting news for the Halifax Thunderbirds, who have been forced to play two of their home games in different stadiums because of the restrictions. They were able to win both, but are excited to do so in front of a roaring home crowd.
“It’s been a logistical nightmare having to reschedule games into another market and plan everything out the way we have been,” says John Catalano, president and CEO of the Halifax Thunderbirds. “It’s been an experience, to say the least, but we’re excited to come home.
“We’re looking to get some donairs catered for (the players) for after the game, that was one of their requests.”
But the impacts of the lockdowns resulting from the Omicron are certainly being felt, especially in the cosmetology industry. The Opposition Liberals are calling for better, inclusive financial supports for the industry, who they say are being left behind.
“We’re opening now which is great, so cosmetologists can go back to work, however that doesn’t help what transpired over the last two months,” said Fred Tilley, the Nova Scotia Liberal Party’s Economic Development Critic.
Economic Development Minister Susan Corkum-Greek was available for an interview, but in a statement said, “We will continue to work together with the business community as we move through the phases and plan for recovery.”
But the Opposition says they’re already off to a slow start.
“I think they need to go back and work with the association to make sure everyone is looked after,” he said.
As for the recovery plan, Phase 1 is expected to last about a month, after which gathering limits are set to increase further under Phase 2 and to be removed altogether under Phase 3.
With files from The Canadian Press.
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