COVID-19 Updates from December 2020 – Relevant News & Information


December 24, 2020:
  • State of Emergency Renewed: The province is renewing the state of emergency to protect the health and safety of Nova Scotians and ensure safety measures and other important actions can continue. The order will take effect at noon Sunday, Dec. 27 and extend to noon Sunday, Jan. 10, unless government terminates or extends it. Read more.
December 21, 2020:
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Update: Four more COVID-19 vaccine storage sites will be set up across the province this week as Nova Scotia prepares to expand its vaccination program early in the new year. The cold storage sites will be at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Valley Regional Hospital and Yarmouth Regional Hospital. Read more.
December 17, 2020:
  • Active Cases of COVID-19: As of today, Dec. 17, Nova Scotia has 50 active cases of COVID-19. Six new cases are being reported today. Read more.
December 16, 2020:
  • Holiday Restrictions to Keep Nova Scotians Safe: Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health, announced today, Dec. 16, that current restrictions in areas of Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) and Hants County are extended, and new restrictions will be in place province-wide over the holidays to curb the spread of COVID-19. Read more.
December 15, 2020:
  • Nova Scotia Receives COVID-19 Vaccine: Nova Scotia received its first allotment of 1,950 doses of the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine today, Dec. 15. Read more.
December 9, 2020:
  • Active Cases of COVID-19: As of Dec. 9, Nova Scotia has 71 active cases of COVID-19. Six new cases are being reported today. All new cases are in Central Zone. Four of the cases are close contacts of previously reported cases. One is related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada. Read more.
  • COVID-19 Vaccine to Arrive Next Week: Nova Scotia will receive its first allotment of 1950 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine next week and will begin with immunizing health-care workers most directly involved in the COVID-19 response in Central Zone. Read more.
  • Potential Covid Exposure Sites: Public Health is advising of potential exposure to COVID-19 at the following locations. Please carefully review the dates, times and places below, as well as the advice accompanying each. View their database online here.
  • Asymptomatic Testing Appointments Available: Starting Tuesday, Dec. 8, Nova Scotians around the province with no COVID-19 symptoms can book appointments for testing. It is mainly recommended for people who have a lot of close social interaction through gatherings or many social contacts. Learn more about asymptomatic testing here.
  • More Testing Information:The Nova Scotia Health Authority’s website now offers more information about testing – how it works, where people should go for a test (including pop-up sites), and self-isolation requirements.Do not call 811 for general information about testing. If you need to book a test, complete the COVID-19 self-assessment. Only call 811 if you cannot complete the assessment online.
December 4, 2020:
  • Restrictions Extended, More Asymptomatic Testing Rolls Out Across the Province: Premier Stephen McNeil and Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang announced on Dec. 4 that the current restrictions in areas of Halifax Regional Municipality and Hants County are extended until at least Dec. 16. They also announced the launch of a period of asymptomatic testing across the province. The purpose is to limit the potential spread of the virus by detecting positive cases in people who do not have symptoms. Read more.
  • Updated Self-Isolation Information for Rotational Workers: Rotational workers can get tested on day 6, 7 or 8 of their self-isolation. They must complete their 14 days of modified self-isolation, even with a negative test result. The rotational worker directive has been revised to include Nova Scotians who work outside Canada on a rotational basis. Review the fact sheet online.
December 3, 2020:

  • COVID-19 Update for CANS Members: It is more important than ever to remain committed to the best practices that your organizations have put in place over the last few months to keep your colleagues and families safe from COVID-19. Read more.

December 1, 2020:
  • Active Cases of COVID-19: As of December 1, Nova Scotia has 142 active cases of COVID-19. 10 new cases were identified Monday, November 30. Read more.
  • COVID-19 Restriction Alerts by County: Restriction alerts by county include additional restrictions and protective measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Check by county to find out if additional restrictions and protective measures are in place. For each county, you also need to follow province-wide restrictions and protective measures. Read more.
  • Funding and Support for Businesses: Learn more about more programs and detailed information on Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. Click here.
    • Provincial: 
    • Federal: 
      • Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) is available until June 2021.
      • The Work-Sharing Program has been extended to 6 weeks for employers affected by COVID-19.
      • Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan applications are open until December 31, 2020.