Restrictions with provincial shutdown

What’s open and closed

TRURO — Restrictions that previously applied to the Halifax Regional Municipality are currently in effect for the rest of the province, including the Truro area, as a provincewide shutdown closed many services for a two-week circuit breaker in an attempt to stop spread of the COVID virus.

Stores selling essential goods necessary for living are still open and operating at 25 per cent capacity, meaning there could be distanced lineups outside at peak times. This includes: food; pharmaceutical products, medicine and medical devices; personal hygiene products; cleaning products; baby and child products; gas stations and garages; computer and cellphone service and repair; electronic and office supplies; hardware supplies; and pet and animal supplies. NSLC stores also remain open.

The Colchester Food Bank remains open; masks and social distancing are mandatory and temperature checks are taking place.

Scheduled and in-person appointments with regulated health professionals such as physicians and dentists continue.

Many offices are closed for mental health programming but continue to offer virtual supports

“The Mental Health Provincial Crisis Line is available 24/7 to anyone experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, or someone concerned about them, by calling 1-888429-8167 (toll-free),” read the provincial release. “If you need help with a non-crisis mental health or addiction concern call Community Mental Health and Addictions at 1-855-922-1122 (toll-free) weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 by calling 1-800668-6868 (toll-free). For help or information about domestic violence 24/7, call 1-855-2250220 (toll-free)”

All public and private school buildings are closed and have moved to online learning. Daycares remain open.

There are no visitors or community access to longterm or special care homes. Day programs are closed.

All municipal buildings are closed, but people can continue to make inquires through phone, email or virtual appointments during regular hours. Some operations continue virtually.

All branches of the Colchester-east

Hants Public Library are closed, including the Truro Library. Books can still be returned in the book drop. Contactless pick-ups for holds or make-and-take crafts are available – call or email for more information. Virtual events are continuing as scheduled.

Many stores not providing essential goods or restaurants are still available for curbside pick-up, delivery or takeout.

Museums and archives are closed. The Colchester Historeum is offering shipping and curbside pickup for gift shop purchases.

In-person court proceedings at provincial courthouses are suspended. Virtual/remote proceedings continue.

All outdoor parks, playgrounds and trails remain open for use by household bubbles. The province is encouraging people to get outside but remain within their community.

All recreational, fitness and sports facilities are closed. The Colchester Legion Stadium currently has a COVID testing site inside its upper floor available by appointment.

Millbrook First Nation has listed several closures for the community. Most people are working from home. Buildings such as the administration office, gaming centre and other buildings mandated by the shutdown are closed. The Tobacco Store remains open. The administration office’s mail drop box will be checked often.

Anyone with questions about whether a business or organization is accessible should contact them through phone, email or online, and avoid meeting in-person.