HALIFAX — The Halifax area is into its first full day of a four-week lockdown imposed to contain an outbreak of COVID-19.

Nova Scotia Premier Iain Rankin issued the “circuit breaker” health order after officials reported 38 new infections Thursday — the largest single-day increase since 55 cases were recorded on April 23, 2020.

Later that day, health officials reported cases at five schools in the Halifax area.

Individual cases were identified at Dartmouth South Academy, Ross Road School in Westphal, Holland Road Elementary in Fletchers Lake, and at St. Catherine’s Elementary and St. Joseph’s-Alexander McKay Elementary in Halifax.

The new restrictions limit outdoor and indoor gatherings to five people and prohibit large gatherings, including social events, festivals, sports and wedding receptions.

People are asked not to travel into or out of the Halifax area unless absolutely necessary. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 23, 2021.

The Canadian Press