Town of Antigonish to Follow Direction Given By Nova Scotia Premier & Dr. Strang Following State of Emergency Declaration.

On Sunday, March 22, 2020, Premier Stephen McNeil, alongside Chief Medical Officer Dr. Strang, declared a State of Emergency related to COVID-19 in Nova Scotia. To date, there are 28 cases of COVID-19 in the province and the age range of affected persons range from late teenagers to seniors in their 70’s.

Under the State of Emergency, the following restrictions are in place:

• Social Distancing will be enforced with the help of law enforcement. People and businesses who are found to be breaking the social distancing rules of 2 meters/6 feet distance can be subject to summary offense fines of $1,000 for individuals and $7,500 a day for businesses. 
• Gathering in groups of more than 5 people is prohibited. 
• Provincial borders will be closing to non-essential services. This means that anyone returning from out of province as of March 23, 2020 at 6 a.m. will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. Non-essential visitors to the province will not be permitted to enter. 
• Assign one person in your household to pick-up essentials to minimize how many people are out in public. (i.e. groceries, prescriptions, etc.) and only go out when necessary. Essential services will remain open but are to only be used when necessary. 
• Provincial parks are now officially closed, and anyone found in those areas will be treated as trespassing and will have their vehicle towed.

As a result of these directives, the Town will be closing public parks including the Skatepark, Columbus Field, Chisholm Park, Central Field, and the Challenger Baseball Field. RCMP have the discretion to fine residents using these facilities. Residents are still allowed to be outside under a State of Emergency, however, please do not gather in groups.

The Town would like to remind residents that Town Hall and Public Works Building will remain closed to the public, but essential services will remain in place. Regular curbside pick-up will continue and there will be no disruption to power or water services. The Town completely understands that these are difficult times and puts a lot of financial stress on individuals. The Town is committed to working with residents to be flexible and provide options for payment. Residents who have outstanding service payments owed to the Town can pay online or phone 902-863-2351 and press 0 to speak with a staff person during regular business hours.   

The State of Emergency has not been issued to create fear or panic. It is a directive to enforce the proper measures to protect you and your family. Please be safe, think of others, check on your neighbours, remain healthy and get the fresh air needed for positive mental health. Please be considerate and do your part to flatten the curve, stay away from groups and remain home when possible.

Sincerely,

Jeff Lawrence
CAO

To download a PDF copy of this letter, pdf click here. (204 KB)  

To read the news release from the Province of Nova Scotia regarding the State of Emergency, click here.

To read Chief Medical Officer Dr. Strang's Letter to Nova Scotians, pdf click here.  (154 KB)

To read a list of FAQs from the Chief Medical Officer's Office,  pdf click here. (159 KB)