Business Reopening and Recovery
Get guidance and clarity around reopening your business and resuming operations safely.
Resources to Operate Safely
As you look to reopen your business, we’re here to guide and support you in doing so safely. Navigating the new world of social distancing and changing regulations can be challenging. Following the Nova Scotia Health Protection Act Order and prioritizing the health and safety of both your employees and customers is essential to continue to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The following tools and resources are meant to help employers and employees return to work safely and successfully. These will be regularly updated as new information becomes available.
COVID-19 Prevention Plan Template
Developing a plan to reopen your business and don’t know where to start? We’ve created an easy-to-use template to you safely resume operations. We are also sharing our own COVID-19 Return to Office Safety and Operational Plan.
What you need to know to reopen safely
The Province of Nova Scotia announced that most businesses required to close could reopen starting on June 5th. You can find the latest information on reopening on their website.
The Province has also created an easy-to-follow COVID-19 prevention plan checklist for workplaces and businesses to consider while developing their plan.
Frequently asked questions
Your business must follow the rule for physical distancing (2 metres/6 feet) with the exception of these exempt employers. If you can’t maintain social distancing because of the physical size of your business, then the 10-person gathering limit applies. There are other industry-specific requirements identified in the Health Protection Act Order that you should check.
For additional information on safe practice and operating guidelines see the Province’s Workplace COVID-19 Prevention Plan Checklist.
If you are able to maintain social distancing requirements, your businesses is exempt from the 10-person gathering limit. Additionally, there is a list of employers exempt from both the gathering limit and social distancing requirements.
Read the Province’s COVID-19 Restriction Updates for industry specific requirements.
Every business should develop a plan to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and comply with the Health Protection Act Order and public health directives to ensure the safety of employees and customers. See the Province’s Workplace COVID-19 Prevention Plan Checklist for more information on safe practice guidelines to help you develop a plan for your business.
You must submit a plan to the province if your business was ordered to close AND you do not have an industry association.
Other individual businesses are not required to submit reopening plans to the Province. However, industry/sector associations representing businesses and organizations that were required to close must develop and comply with a Workplace COVID-19 Prevention Plan for their sector.
This depends on the industry and nature of business you operate. Although most businesses are not required to provide PPE for employees, it is highly encouraged especially if your business deals with the public.
Download a list of PPE suppliers on the Nova Scotia Website. Additionally, Ignite Atlantic has a service to help businesses access PPE. Fill out the simple form and get connected to local suppliers > You can also download
For the latest list of sector-specific plans to help protect workers and customers from COVID-19 visit the Province of Nova Scotia website.
Additional Resources
In this time of crisis, the Halifax business community is comimg together and collaborating to help one another. Below you’ll find resources for reopening from our Investors.
Halifax Chamber of Commerce has created a business guide toolkit to reopening with a 5-step approach to operating safely.
Worker's Compensation Board has created resources to help work safely through COVID-19 including industry-specific tools.
Business Development Bank of Canada has a webinar on planning for recovery with advice on how to restart your business in the wake of COVID-19.
EY Canada has released an article with a roadmap for managing the difficult transition back to the physical workplace.
NATIONAL is offering recovery and communication services for businesses to navigate the pandemic, plan for recovery, and rebuild for the future.
Reach out to us
Minder Singh
Senior Account Executive, Commercialization, SmartBusiness Program
Need Support? Our team can help.
Thank you for reaching out. Minder will respond to your request as soon as possible.