'We're not there yet': modified N.S. restrictions creating interesting circumstances
It likely doesn't feel like it, but Monday marked the beginning of the fourth week of Nova Scotia's much anticipated Phase 5 of reopening.
Vastly scaled back from the original plan, which would have seen nearly all restrictions dropped, many Nova Scotians have barely noticed much of a difference.
Capacity limits have been lifted, but masks remain mandatory for staff at the storied Midtown Tavern in Halifax, but not for customers sitting down to eat or drink.
There've been few complaints from regulars, including Jody Nelson.
"Generally good. Not too may hesitations about coming out," he said, digging in to steak and fries over lunch on Monday.
After the supper crowd leaves, the restaurant transforms into Boomer's Lounge a few nights a week, and dancing resumed Sunday evening, although there were restrictions to consider, according to co-owner, Colin Grant.
"Because you've still got to dance with your mask on, and it seemed impossible to enforce, but we started last night," said Grant. "It went great."
Although grateful more customers can come in, industry insiders note there are still major issues facing operators.
"You know, you're continuing to wear masks. You have to have a passport. It just makes it seem unsafe, in which we see results in consumer confidence not where it should be," said Luc Erjavec, Restaurants Canada Atlantic VP.
Erjavec says the results of a recent member survey are also eye-opening:
- 67 per cent report vaccine passports are having a negative impact on sales;
- 65 per cent of operators needed to hire additional staff to enforce the passports;
- 51 per cent are experiencing hostile confrontations with customers over the rules;
- 22 per cent have lost staff because employees don’t want to enforce the rules.
The current rules are a far cry from the original vision for Nova Scotia's Phase 5, modified in late September amid rising case counts.
Making a health-care announcement in Cape Breton, Premier Tim Houston told CTV News he too, is anxious for the day restrictions can be dropped.
"Oh, absolutely. I don't know when that is, but as our vaccination rates move up, we should all be hopeful of the time when the pandemic is behind us," said Houston.
"We're not there yet."
A sentiment shared back in downtown Halifax at Hosam Alsyed's barber shop, the Big Moustache.
Originally from Syria, he notes masks aren't ideal for giving -- or getting -- haircuts, but believes they're necessary right now.
And he, too, has no idea when Nova Scotians will be able to put them away.
"Me, I'm not sure," he said. "I'd like it soon."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.