There are some large arts and entertainment facilities that are hosting events before October 4 for which tickets have already been sold.  Staff at Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage and Events Nova Scotia are reaching out directly to those event organizers. These events can proceed without following the gathering limit as long the facility has a policy requiring spectators to be fully vaccinated. A negative COVID-19 test result cannot be used instead of proof of vaccination. Masks are still required if the event is indoors.

PROOF OF VACCINATION POLICY
Starting on October 4, people who are 12 and older will need to provide proof of full vaccination to participate in most events and activities that bring groups of people together. While the policy is not yet final, it will apply to the following:

• full-service restaurants where patrons sit at tables to be served, both indoors and on patios
• liquor licensed establishments, casinos and other gaming establishments, both indoors and on patios
• indoor and outdoor fitness and recreation facilities such as gyms, yoga studios, pools and arenas, as well as fitness classes
• indoor and outdoor leisure facilities and businesses such as dance and music lessons, climbing facilities, escape rooms, pottery painting, indoor play places, arcades, shooting ranges, go-carts and outdoor adventure
• indoor and outdoor festivals, special events, and arts and culture events and venues such as theatre performances, concerts and movie theatres, unless they are outdoor events held in public spaces with no specific entry point, such as Nocturne
• participants and spectators for indoor and outdoor sports practices, games, competitions and tournaments
• indoor and outdoor extracurricular school-based activities, including sports
• bus, boat and walking tours
• museums, public libraries and the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
• indoor and outdoor events and activities such as receptions, social events, conferences and training that are hosted by a recognized business or organization

Proof of vaccination will not be required under the provincewide policy for employees of businesses and organizations that offer these events and activities.

It will also not be required for most places that do not facilitate formal gatherings, such as:

• retail stores
• financial institutions
• food establishments that primarily offer fast food, takeout and delivery
• professional services such as accountants and lawyers
• personal services such as hair salons, barber shops, spas and body art
• health-care services and health professions such as doctors’ offices, dental care, massage therapy and physiotherapy
• rental accommodations such as hotel rooms, cottages and campgrounds
• faith services
• school-based activities that take place during the school day, before and after school programs and school buses
• business meetings and other activities where the general public is not present
• places where government services are offered (i.e. Access Nova Scotia, Visitor Information Centres)
• food banks, shelters, Family Resource Centres and adult day programs for seniors or people with disabilities
• informal gatherings at a private residence

Businesses and organizations are encouraged to set their own vaccination policies. Any policies should take legal and ethical implications into consideration. People who are not fully vaccinated need to be able to access essential services.