It was “another difficult day” in Nova Scotia Friday as the province reported two new deaths from COVID-19 complications and 84 new cases.
Both people were in their 70s and died in hospital in the central health zone, Premier Iain Rankin said during a news briefing.
“My condolences and sympathies go out to the families on behalf of all Nova Scotians,” he said.
Dr. Robert Strang, the chief medical officer of health, said eight people have died so far this month.
“The passing of these eight Nova Scotians within 11 days is a stark reminder that we continue to face a very serious situation,” he said.
“While our case numbers are slowly trending downward, we are not able to relax our guard yet.”
There are 66 new cases in the central zone, 11 in the eastern zone, six in the northern zone and one in the western zone.
One of the central zone cases is a staff member of the Melville Lodge nursing home in Halifax. Residents and staff from the affected unit are being tested and most residents have been fully vaccinated.
With another 197 recoveries since Thursday, there are now 1,028 active cases in the province.
Nova Scotia Health labs completed 7,041 tests on Thursday.
Increase to Small Business Impact Grant
Rankin announced the province will increase the Small Business Impact Grant by $17 million, bringing the total cost of the program to $29 million.
Every business that was eligible will get an additional $5,000 cheque and new applicants that qualify will receive a one-time flat payment of $5,000.
“I know this latest shutdown has been very difficult for everyone, especially our small businesses,” said Rankin.
“That will help our businesses get through this difficult period of time.”
Province tweaks entry requirements
Dr. Strang also said that starting Friday, the province is “tweaking the criteria” for out-of-province people who want to move to Nova Scotia.
“We do not want people who are coming to the province to be stuck, homeless, because of the border restrictions and these changes will address the majority of the concerns that we have heard over the last couple of weeks,” he said.
People can apply to move to Nova Scotia with their immediate family members who live in the same household if they have:
- A purchase and sale agreement for a property showing an offer has been accepted on or before May 1. There is no longer a date requirement for the closing date.
- Proof of ownership of property in Nova Scotia, and either a purchase and sale agreement for a property or notice of termination of their lease agreement in another province or territory.
- A minimum one-year lease signed on or before May 1.
- A letter of acceptance for employment in Nova Scotia that can’t be done virtually or deferred. The letter must be dated on or before May 7.
Those who want to move to Nova Scotia must still apply via the Nova Scotia Safe Check-in form, and it could take up to a week for a response. People are advised to not start traveling until they receive a response, as they will be turned away if they do not have approval.
Due to volume, the province is currently only considering applications for people who plan to arrive before July 1. Anyone who arrives in Nova Scotia must self-isolate for 14 days.
As well, the Nova Scotia-New Brunswick travel protocol has now been expanded to include Prince Edward Island. The protocol can be used to travel between Nova Scotia and the other two provinces for work, school, child care or veterinary services without having to self-isolate or complete the check-in form.
‘Great response’ to vaccines
Nova Scotians aged 25 or older are now eligible to book an appointment for their first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Rankin said there has been a “great response” to the vaccine and more than 20,000 doses were administered on Thursday.
“We will hit 500,000 doses some time tomorrow,” he said.
Rankin said the province will open up eligibility for people aged 20 and older next week, and people 12 and up after that.