Nova Scotia will enter a provincewide lockdown for two weeks starting tomorrow as a "circuit-breaker" measure to slow the spread of COVID-19, the premier and chief medical officer of health said Tuesday.

As of 8 a.m. AT on Wednesday until at least May 12, the following restrictions are in place:

• Nova Scotians can only gather indoors or outdoors with people in their household bubble.
• Households of one or two people can socialize with one or two others but they must be the same people for this period.
• All public and private schools are closed.
• Retail stores are closed for in-person service unless they provide services essential to the life, health or personal safety of individuals and animals.
• Restaurants and bars are closed for dine-in service, but contactless take-out or delivery is allowed.
• Personal services such as hair salons, barber shops and spas are closed.
• Regulated and unregulated health professions can remain open with an approved COVID-19 plan.
• Casino Nova Scotia locations in Halifax and Sydney and First Nations gaming establishments must close.
• Daycares will remain open, but all staff and children over age two must be masked, indoors and outdoors at all times, when not eating or drinking.
• Long-term care homes are also closed across Nova Scotia to all visitors and volunteers besides designated caregivers.
• Indoor fitness facilities must be closed, but outdoor recreation activities are allowed.
• Outdoor fitness and recreation businesses and organized clubs can operate with a maximum of five people and physical distancing.

There are also new restrictions on events and recreation, including no sports events or faith gatherings. However, mental health and addictions support groups can continue to meet with a maximum of 10 people, physically distanced with masks.

Stores selling essential items such as food, pharmaceuticals, hardware and pet supplies can remain open at 25 per cent capacity. Gas stations, garages, computer and electronic repair shops and stores selling electronics and office supplies along with Nova Scotia Liquor Commission stores can also remain open at 25 per cent capacity. 

Nova Scotia Premier Iain Rankin and Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang announced the details during a briefing on Tuesday at 4 p.m. AT.