COVID-19 Information

Message from HPA President & CEO
Port of Halifax - Captain's Update - COVID vaccine requirements coming
Port of Halifax - COVID-19 Update - December 2, 2020
Port of Halifax – COVID-19 Update – November 23, 2020

Latest updates and resources

The Halifax Port Authority (HPA) is closely monitoring the public health risk associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and we remain on high alert. We are working closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Transport Canada to monitor the situation.

Please find helpful resources and links to learn more about the COVID-19 pandemic:

Halifax Port Authority Operations

Marine traffic and cargo shipping

The Halifax Port Authority and all Canadian Port Authorities continue to work with Federal, Provincial, Municipal governments and the Association of Canadian Port Authorities on plans and responses associated with this pandemic. Currently, there are no restrictions on cargo vessel operations, but this may change as the situation evolves Halifax Port Authority will continue to monitor the situation and take direction from the Public Health Agency of Canada in consultation with Transport Canada regarding cargo operations at the Port of Halifax.

All labour, both container terminals, pilots, pilot boat crews, tug crews, rail, truck operations and container terminal gate operations are following the direction of Transport Canada.  Each member of the Port Community has taken steps to adjust their routines in accordance with recent guidance from Transport Canada and Public Health Agency of Canada. The marine sector will continue to follow Transport Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada’s guidelines for COVID-19.

Please visit our Port Operations Centre for timely updates on cargo movement.

For inquires regarding Transport Canada’s directives for the marine sector, please see their website or to report threats, breaches, incidents or suspicious activity as soon as possible – 24/7 - call Transport Information Centre 1-888-857-4003.

Port Credentialing Office

Until further notice, the HPA credentialing office is now only accepting personal appointments on Monday to Thursday from 0800-1600 local time. Please note that if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g. fever, cough or difficulty breathing) and/or even mild symptoms, please contact us by phone (902) 426-1597 or email [email protected] to reschedule your existing appointment.

Port Community Procedures & Protocols:

Additional Links of Resources:

Cruise Halifax operations

The Halifax 2020 Cruise Season has been suspended due to COVID-19. This is done to protect the health and well-being of all involved.

The fundamentals of tourism remain strong; Nova Scotia is a place that people want to visit, and the cruise lines want to come here. We remain a safe, welcoming destination with natural beauty and authentic experiences to offer.

We will take our direction from Transport Canada and Public Health officials as we have throughout this situation, and at the same time, we will work with our industry partners to ensure we are ready to move quickly once the recovery takes hold.

Any return to cruising will be subject to success in other areas. It is absolutely critical that we are and remain aligned with local and provincial health authorities.

For additional information about the cruise industry's response to COVID-19, please visit CLIA's COVID-19 Media Kit or email [email protected].

Halifax Seaport 

The Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market operation has been suspended until further notice, starting Saturday, March 14, 2020.

Events at the Halifax Seaport can result in large gatherings of people in close contact for extended periods of time. These gatherings can contribute to the transmission of respiratory pathogens such as COVID-19.  For that reason, large events at the Cunard Centre will be postponed. Please see the Halifax Seaport Event Calendar for the latest on upcoming events and cancellations for all facilities.

We have increased cleaning efforts throughout the interior common use areas of the Immigration Annex and FMC Building facilities, paying extra attention to cleaning high-frequency touch points. We are working closely with our cleaning contractor and they ensure us that they are using the highest-grade commercial disinfectants and sanitizers.

HPA will continue to work with and follow the recommendations of public health authorities and event organizers to assess the situation and conduct risk assessments when determining the public health actions related to events at the Halifax Seaport during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resources:

Key Contacts:                          

  • If you have symptoms or believe you have COVID-19, dial 811.
  • A new toll-free phone number (1-833-784-4397) has been established but the Government of Canada to answer questions from Canadians about COVID-19. Service is available from 7 a.m. to midnight EST.

Archived Updates

Port of Halifax – COVID-19 Update – March 19, 2020
Port of Halifax – COVID-19 Update – March 13, 2020