'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
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.