Nova Scotia Coronavirus briefing. March 19, 2020. Photo: Nova Scotia
Tenants across the province can no longer be evicted if they can’t pay rent due to COVID-19.
That’s the most recent order from Premier Stephen McNeil.
He made the announcement at Thursday’s COVID-19 update press conference alongside Community Services Minister Kelly Regan and Chief Medical Officer of Health Doctor Robert Strang.
McNeil also committed $230,000 to groups helping seniors and vulnerable people in their communities.
He directed all Nova Scotian university students to leave their dorms and return home to make it safer for themselves and non-Nova Scotian students who can’t travel and must stay in the dormitories.
“I also want to say to those who are left on campus, there’s absolutely no partying or large gatherings,” he said. “It is absolutely critical that you practice what public health has asked you to do.”
Regan also made an announcement at the conference, $1 million for Feed Nova Scotia to buy food and hire additional staff.
She said $2.2 million will go to income assistance programs. An additional $50 per person will be added to payments for food, cleaning and personal hygiene products.
Doctor Strang confirmed two new cases of COVID-19 and said the first Nova Scotian to go to hospital because of the virus has been admitted to a COVID-19 unit in Halifax.
There are now 14 cases in the province, five confirmed and nine presumed.
