N.S. Businesses To Re-open June 5
Nova Scotia is preparing to reopen its economy with a bang.
At Wednesday’s COVID-19 update, Premier Stephen McNeil announced businesses that had been ordered shut, can once again open their doors on June 5.
Those include restaurants for eat-in customers, bars, veterinarians, gyms, cosmetology and hairstylists.
Provided they follow protocols approved by public health from their colleges and associations, other health providers such as dentistry, optometry, chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy, podiatry and naturopathy can also reopen June 5.
Physical distancing and gathering limits remain in place. People must keep two metres apart and not gather in groups of more than five.
The province has set aside $25 miilion to fund a Small Business Reopening and Support Grant to provide eligible businesses, non-profits, charities and social enterprises with up to $5,000 to help them open safely.
The premier offered more help to organizations trying to find their way in the new economy.
“Many of you have to operate under entirely new conditions and maybe even change your business model. So along with the grant, we are offering a voucher worth $1,500 to access consulting services to offer you advice.”
Anyone looking to access that advice and support to become more resilient in the coming months can go online to https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus and submit an application beginning June 1.
McNeil also announced a $230 million infrastructure fund to go towards more than 200 shovel-ready projects including paving on 100-series highways, bridge replacements, gravel road upgrades and school repairs.
He says the project will support the private sector by creating up to 2,000 jobs this fiscal year.
The premier also announced a setback in reopening childcare centres.
Initially scheduled to reopen on June fifth, they will now be delayed until the 15th as providers work with the province to ensure children can return safely.
At the end of the briefing, McNeil said there would be more announcements coming Friday about further opening the economy and social gatherings.
Reported by Ed Halverson
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson