Atlantic Canada's Travel Bubble Is Launching & Locals Can Hop Around Without Isolating
While many of Canada's provinces begin to gradually reopen, one region is taking bold steps when it comes to travel. Canada's eastern provinces are getting ready to launch their very own Atlantic bubble. It will officially begin on July 3, and residents will be able to enjoy restriction-free travel.
In a news release on June 24, it was confirmed that the Council of Atlantic Premiers will soon allow restriction-free travel between their provinces, starting next month.
That means that residents of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island will be able to move between their provincial borders freely, without worrying about any self-isolation periods.
The premiers had previously discussed starting the Atlantic bubble back in July, with PEI Premier Dennis King noting that even if one province saw an uptick in cases, the others could still allow open travel.
Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil confirmed the news on his Twitter account on Wednesday, shaing an optimistic message about the positive impact this plan will have on local residents.
"We rely on tourism to keep our economy moving, and NS biz & tourism operators are excited to welcome Atlantic Canadians to NS," he explained.
"Removing the self-isolation requirement for travel between Atlantic provinces will also reunite many families who have loved ones across the region," McNeil added.
Residents of the four Atlantic provinces will still have to follow all local public health guidelines, and continue to practice good hygiene.
Locals have also been advised against travelling if they are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
Each province intends to come up with their own process to track the number of new visitors that this plan could bring-in.
Canadians from other provinces who decide to travel out east will still have to follow current rules, including the 14 day self-isolation period upon arrival.
Nova Scotia itself hasn't had any new cases of the virus since June 9, when one new case was added to the overall total.
The rest of the Atlantic provinces have effectively flattened their curves, according to the most recent data from Health Canada.
So it looks like an Atlantic staycation could be on the cards ... for at least some Canadians anyway!