Paid sick leave program opens

To slow the spread of COVID-19, Nova Scotians are asked to stay home if they're sick. Applications for the province's Paid Sick Leave Program opened

Jan. 10 for people who cannot work remotely and must stay home due to COVID-19.

The program is open to employers and self-employed workers. It covers up to four sick leave days for employees, including self-employed workers, up to a maximum of $20 per hour or $160 per day. The maximum payment over a 15-week period is $640 per worker. Eligible businesses that pay their employees during their leave, and self-employed workers who miss time, may be reimbursed as quickly as five business days from their application.