What's open and closed in Halifax as COVID-19 restrictions ramp up

New restrictions meant to slow the spread of COVID-19 are being introduced in the Halifax region the current epicentre of Nova Scotia's outbreak.

The restrictions apply to western and central parts of the Halifax Regional Municipality, from Hubbardsto Porters Lake. It also includes the communities of Enfield andMount Uniacketo the north of Halifax, which are part of Hants County (see full map here).

They comeinto effect midnight Wednesday and will continuefor at least two weeksuntil midnight Dec. 9.

Here's a guide to what can remainopen and what has to closeunder the new restrictions:

What's open

• Public schools, with the exception of those where cases have been identified.
• After-school programs.
• Child care.
• Hairstylists, estheticians and nail salons, except for procedures that cannot be done while a patron is masked.
• Grocery stores,but they must restrict shoppers and staff to 25 per cent of capacity.
• Retail stores, but they must restrict shoppers and staff to 25 per cent of capacity.
• Liquorstores, including distilleries, wineries and breweries,but they must restrict shoppers and staff to 25 per cent of capacity.
• Pharmacies,but they must restrict shoppers and staff to 25 per cent of capacity.
• Restaurants and coffee shops for takeout or delivery only.
• Hotel restaurants for hotel guests only.

What's closed

• Restaurant dining rooms, bars and nightclubs.
• Gyms, recreational facilities.
• Libraries.
• Museums and art galleries.
• Casinos.
• Distilleries, wineries and breweries for in-house tastings retail sales are allowed.
• Sporting facilities forboth practices and games, recreational and professional.
• Faith activities, events and gatherings

Other guidelines and limitations

• The gathering limit in public is five, or up to the number of members of an immediate family in a household.
• Mandatory masking now applies to commonareas in multi-unit residential buildings, such asapartments and condos.
• No visitors in long-term care facilities, except volunteers and designated caregivers this applies provincewide.
• Non-essential travel into and out of the restricted region of HRMis discouraged.
• Non-essential travel to other Atlantic provinces is also discouraged.