N.S. relaunches paid sick leave program

Nova Scotia is relaunching its COVID-19 sick leave program for residents who must take time off work due to the fourth wave of the pandemic.

In a recent news release, the province said the program was expected to restart on

Jan. 10 and will be in place until March 31. The program will be retroactive to include sick days starting from Dec. 20, 2021.

It will again cover employee wages, including wages of self-employed people, up to a maximum of $20 per hour or $160 per day.

The maximum payment during the 15 weeks is $640 per worker.

People who cannot work remotely and miss less than 50 per cent of their scheduled work time in one week due to COVID-19 may be eligible for the program.

"We know people are feeling extra stressed ... we want them to know more assistance is coming with the relaunch of this temporary program," said Premier Tim Houston in the news release.

"People should continue to do the right thing - just as they did during the third wave - to keep our workplaces safe. Please follow Public Health protocols and stay home when you are not feeling well."

The province said full details, including details about eligibility for the program, will be provided soon.