Nova Scotia announces new support for small businesses hurt by COVID-19

As cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia rose to 850 on Friday, the provinceannounced a new program for small businesses affected by COVID-19 that don'tqualify for a federal loan program called the Canada emergency business account.

The small business credit and supportprogramprovides a guaranteed credit union loan and a cash grant of up to $1,500 to small businesses that have lost 30 per cent of revenue during a specific time frame.

"These programs are designed to put money in the pockets of our small businesses as quickly as possible to help them find the way back when we get through COVID-19,"Premier StephenMcNeil said at a press briefing.

Officials announced23 new cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia on Friday, and one of the newest cases was an individual staying at a homeless shelter in the Halifax area.

"For this individual and all their own contacts, we're looking at how we work with the homeless population in HRMknowingthere's quite possibly COVID-19circulating throughthat population," said Dr. Robert Strang, the province's chief medical officer of health.

Strang said the province'svulnerable population team quickly foundindividual housing in a hotel for people who were considered contacts of the individual who contracted the virus.

No new deaths, 392 recoveries

Friday marked the first day since April 20 that no new deaths related to COVID-19 were announced.

Eleven people are in hospital with three in intensive care.

The QEIIHealth Sciences Centre's microbiology lab completed 888 tests on Thursday. Strang said Nova Scotia has conducted more tests per capita than any other province.

So far, 392 people have recovered recovered from COVID-19 and 16 have died.

Eleven of the deaths were at Northwood, a Halifax-based long-term care home.

As of Thursday, 189 residents and 82 staff at10licensed long-term care homes and unlicensed seniors facilities in the province haveCOVID-19.

To date, Nova Scotiahas had24,521 negative test results for COVID-19.

Strang on Trump

Strang responded to a comment made by U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday that suggested scientists should investigate inserting disinfecting agentsinto the body as a way to combat COVID-19.

"It's really important at an event like this, that we actually allow science to guide our public health measures to guide how we treat people," Strang said.

He said science can take time to develop andthere is a lot of research going into treatments for the virus. He said clinicians and scientists in Nova Scotia are contributing to that research.

Symptoms to look for

The provinceexpanded the list of symptoms being screened for COVID-19. They are:

• Fever.
• New or worsening cough.
• Sore throat.
• Runny nose.
• Headache.

Anyone withtwo or more of those symptoms shouldvisit811's websitefor a self-assessment questionnaire to determine if 811 should be called for further assessment.

A tribute to the victims of N.S. mass shooting

4 years ago

Duration 4:02

Farewell to Nova Scotia is performed by Lennie Gallant.

McNeil ended the press briefing by encouraging people to take part in the virtual vigilFriday night for victims of the Nova Scotia mass shooting.

"This vigil is an opportunity for us to come together without coming together," he said.

McNeil said the Stronger Together Nova Scotia fund managed by the Canadian Red Cross has already raised close to $900,000. McNeil said Emera contributed $500,000 to that fund. He said the province will add an additional $500,000.

On Friday, the province announced sometemporary extensions to Registry of Motor Vehicle services, such as drivers licences, inspections andvehicle permit renewals.