Given the recent surge in cases of COVID-19 in parts of Atlantic Canada and the emergence of more transmissible forms of the virus, the Council of Atlantic Premiers has agreed to delay the reopening of the Atlantic Bubble by at least two weeks, to May 3rd, 2021.

Premier Blaine Higgs chaired a teleconference of the Council of Atlantic Premiers with his counterparts across Atlantic Canada on Tuesday. They reviewed the state of the COVID-19 pandemic in the region and considered how to move forward on reducing travel restrictions within the Atlantic region.

Their decision to delay the Atlantic Bubble by two weeks is based upon expert advice from the region’s Chief Medical Officers of Health.

Premiers will meet during the last week of April to review the status of outbreaks and determine if a further delay to May 10th, 2021 is required.

When the Atlantic Bubble reopens, residents of the Atlantic provinces will be able to travel within the region without the requirement to self-isolate for 14 days.