The province is announcing that as of Monday, Nova Scotians have received one million doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

The milestone comes as Canada is opening the border to international travellers.

Premier Iain Rankin says the federal restrictions are in line with those already in place to protect Nova Scotians.

“People who can show proof of two vaccines will not have to isolate. Those with one vaccine will have to isolate for seven days and get two negative tests. Anyone who has not been vaccinated will have to isolate for 14 days,” said Rankin. “We are monitoring all travel in and out of our province to look for cases and determine patterns but so far, so good.”

Chief Medical Officer of Health for Nova Scotia Dr. Robert Strang says the province could move to lift restrictions around masks and social distancing sooner if we can increase the rate of vaccinations.

Dr. Robert Strang. Photo Nova Scotia Government

To date, 73 per cent of eligible Nova Scotians have received a first dose of vaccine and 29 per cent have two doses.

Strang says hitting a target of 85 per cent of people with at least one dose will be required to lift restrictions ahead of schedule but to do that, people need to stop being selective about which vaccine they receive.

“Pfizer and Moderna are the same type of vaccine and are both equally effective and safe. One is not better than the other. Given the reduced Pfizer supply and considering the risk of the Delta variant please do not wait to book your second dose. If you got Pfizer for your first dose it’s completely fine to get Moderna for your second. The sooner you’re fully vaccinated the better for all of us,” said Strang.

Rankin is confident Nova Scotia will hit targets that will allow the move to Phase 4 of the reopening plan, as scheduled this coming Wednesday, July 14.

“Dr. Strang and the team will continue to watch our cases and ensure we’re moving in that direction but all signs are positive so far,” said Rankin.

While the premier is looking ahead to reopening he also reminds Nova Scotians to not let their guard down.

“People are on the move but so too, is Delta variant and it can spread quickly,” said Rankin. “That is why we have to constantly remind ourselves to be cautious and continue to follow protocols.”

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