most Public Health restrictions have been lifted across the province today as we move to Phase 3 of the provincial reopening plan. You can learn more about Phase 3 by clicking here.

Effective today, March 21, 2022, the following are in effect in Nova Scotia:

• there will be no gathering limits or capacity limits, but people should still keep their social groups small and consistent and make careful choices about the gatherings they attend
  
• physical distance will no longer be required between individuals and groups, although distancing is still recommended
  
• masks will no longer be required, but wearing one in indoor public places or crowded outdoor places is strongly recommended
  
• businesses and organizations across all sectors can resume full operations with no mandatory Public Health restrictions
  
• special events including festivals, sports, performances, meetings, training and faith ceremonies can resume in full.
  

While masks are no longer mandated, we strongly encourage our members to continue to wear them.

As well, anyone who feels sick should say home and get tested.

People who test positive for COVID-19 are still required to self-isolate for seven days from the date symptoms started, or from the date of a positive test if there are no symptoms. There is no requirement to notify contacts outside a person’s household but people are encouraged to do so, especially for those who are at increased risk. Contacts are not required to isolate as long as they are symptom-free and test negative, whether they live with the person who tested positive or not.

We know the pandemic isn’t over but this is another encouraging step for our province. Let’s continue to work together to have a successful conclusion to our hockey season.

2022 Major Female U18 AAA hockey champions! @U18AAAReds
Next stop, Tyne Valley PEI!#goredsgo@MMFHLU18 @nbfaaahl @HockeyNB pic.twitter.com/fnrWZODoAb

— EDZA West U18 AAA TNT Reds (@U18AAAReds) March 13, 2022

Phase 1 of the province’s reopening plan has been adjusted to end the requirement to show proof of full vaccination before participating in non-essential, discretionary events and activities such as sport.

As we have worked with our partners at the province throughout the pandemic to align with the guidelines of Public Health, we will also be lifting the Hockey Nova Scotia COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. Effective February 28, 2022, Hockey Nova Scotia members are no longer required to provide proof of full vaccination to take part in Hockey Nova Scotia-sanctioned activities.

Associations and leagues are reminded that Hockey Canada and Hockey Nova Scotia regulations require competitive-level teams that will play toward a provincial, regional, or national championship to be registered with their teams by Feb. 10.

Teams or programs that do not play towards a provincial, regional, or national championship (e.g.: C-level teams, U7, First Shift, etc.) and are able to accommodate players on their rosters at this point in the season can do so at the association or program's discretion.

As we continue to move through the provincial reopening plan, we encourage our members to wash their hands frequently, practice physical distancing, and wear masks at all times while not on the ice.

The Province announced on February 23, 2022 that the timeline for easing Public Health restrictions is moving up and all restrictions are expected to end on March 21. To read the province’s latest release, please click here.

On Monday, March 7, at 12:01 a.m., Phase 2 will begin with the following restrictions in effect:

• teams can have practices, games, competitions and tournaments with up to 60 participants in the field of play, including players and officials; spectators are allowed, following the formal gathering limit (see below)
• games are no longer limited to the regular competitive/league schedule; bringing together teams that typically do not play one another will be allowed
• the formal gathering limit will be 75 per cent capacity, with physical distancing as much as possible, for gatherings at hockey games, practices, tournaments, etc. Please confirm with your local facility to see how this will affect their capacity

Additional information will be made available soon on what it means for hockey (including an update on proof of full vaccination, as well as close contacts).

Please find Hockey Nova Scotia’s close contact guidelines by clicking here.

We have been working with our provincial and Public Health partners to establish these guidelines. Public Health has confirmed the definition of close contacts within the document.

We know that as we continue to move through the phases of the new reopening plan, there will be some changes made to the close contact requirements in the coming weeks. We will try to stay on top of those changes and keep you updated as soon as we receive any updates.

We know that the last few days have been challenging for many of you, especially our safety reps. Thank you for your patience as we worked through this process and thank you for all that you do.

Nova Scotia Public Health - Information for Covid-19 Close Contacts

Earlier today, the province announced that beginning next week, COVID-19 restrictions will be eased over three phases. To read the complete release from the province, please click here.

Phase 1 will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, Feb, 14 and the following restrictions impacting hockey will go into effect:

• Groups of up to 60 are now permitted in the field of play.
• Teams can have practices and regular league games (see explanation below).
• Competition is limited to regular league games. This refers to the current league that your team is playing in. If a game is part of your team’s regular league or competitive schedule, it is allowed. Bringing together teams that typically do not play one another is not allowed.
• Tournaments are still not permitted.
• Physical distancing is not required in the field of play; masks are recommended at all times when not on the ice surface.
• Spectators are allowed up to the formal gathering limit; the formal gathering limit for gatherings is 50 per cent of capacity indoors. Capacities will vary by facility. Please check with your local rink. (NOTE: While today’s press release states that fitness, recreation and leisure businesses and organizations can operate at 75 per cent capacity and references arenas, we have clarified with the province that this section does not apply to hockey or spectators at a hockey game).

We know today’s update will be welcome news for our members as we return to game action. We are hopeful that we will continue to trend in the right direction. Phase 1 is the first step in a three phase reopening plan and each phase is expected to last about a month. We understand that the situation will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis and we will provide more information to you as soon as we have it.

We will also be providing an update later this month on how this will impact the remainder of the season (including provincial tournaments and other events).

Please continue to follow the protocols and thank you all for your continued support. As always, we appreciate your efforts and commitment to keeping everyone on the ice.