State of Emergency Continues

The provincewide state of emergency is continued until further notice.

“Although we are making progress, many roads and streets in Halifax Regional Municipality and provincewide are still inaccessible,” said Ernest Fage, minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Act. “We thank Nova Scotians for their continued patience and ask that everyone continues to co- operate by giving work crews time and room to clean highways and thoroughfares.”

The minister said that public safety is the number one concern, and that main routes that remain impassable are a priority. Nova Scotians are being directed to stay off roads and highways to allow cleanup crews to continue their work.

However, with more snow predicted, Nova Scotians can use the opportunity today, Feb. 21, to obtain the necessary supplies they may need, where it is safe to do so. The public is also asked to check with neighbours who may also require supplies before venturing out in order to limit traffic. The Nova Scotia government approved a regulatory change under the Emergency Measures Act to permit grocery stores to open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22. Nova Scotians are advised to call their local grocery store beforehand to be sure the store has decided to open.

Until further notice, traffic on Cape Breton Island is no longer restricted due to the state of emergency.

The following is the latest update from the provincial government:

• Nova Scotia’s emergency operations centre is still activated.

• In suburban Halifax, 100-series highways are open but a number of ramps to the highway network remain closed. Highway 111 has significant lane reductions across Lake Banook and Lake MicMac. Highway 118 has one lane open in the vicinity of Portobello Road.