Recent News Announcements & Information
To keep you informed throughout this ongoing pandemic, CANS has compiled the latest COVID-19 information and its impact on the construction industry.
CANS COVID-19 Email Communication to CANS Members
COVID-19 Updated for CANS Members – October 14, 2022
Archived CANS COVID-19 Email Communications to CANS Members
COVID-19 Provincial Government News Updates
COVID-19 – Provincial News Releases & Information – March 2022
Ask us a Question
We know many of you have questions and concerns about the impact COVID-19 is having on your business. Please keep us informed to help us advocate on your behalf. Email your questions to questions@cans.ns.ca
Current COVID-19 Restrictions
Canada Has Lifted All COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
Effective October 1, 2022, the Government of Canada has removed all COVID-19 entry restrictions, including testing, quarantine, and isolation requirements for anyone entering Canada.
In addition to the above, travellers, regardless of citizenship, will no longer have to:
- Submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website.
- Provide proof of vaccination.
- Monitor and report signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrivial.
Transport Canada is also removing existing travel requirements. As of October 1, 2022, travellers will no longer be required to:
- Undergo health checks for travel on air and rail; or
- Wear masks on planes and trains.
Guidance for Canadians Travelling Internationally
The Government of Canada still encourages Canadians travelling abroad to practise enhanced health precautions. Click here to view Canada’s COVID-19 and International Travel notices.
COVID-19 Vaccines
Appointments and Eligibility
Everyone aged 6 months and older is eligible for a primary COVID-19 vaccine series in Nova Scotia. Most people require 2 doses to complete their primary series. People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised require 3 doses to complete their primary series.
You can book an appointment for yourself or someone else (like a parent, grandparent or child). You can also book an appointment if you’re eligible for an additional dose or booster dose. Most appointments need to be booked in advance. You may also be able to go to a drop-in clinic without an appointment.
BOOK NOW: Book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment here.
Booster Doses
The Province has expanded eligibility for COVID-19 booster doses. Booster doses are administered at least 168 days after the primary series. People who received two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine or the one-dose Janssen vaccine are still eligible to schedule a booster dose of mRNA vaccine.
LEARN MORE: Read more about booster dose eligibility.
Fall Dose for Everyone Aged 12 and Older:
Everyone aged 12 years and older who has completed their primary series will be eligible to receive a fall dose of COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of the number of booster doses already received, so long as the minimum number of days has passed since their last COVID-19 vaccine.
Public Health recommends that people aged 18 years of age and older receive a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine for their fall dose rather than the original vaccine. Moderna bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is currently the only bivalent vaccine available.
BOOK YOUR FALL DOSE: Find available appointments here.
Provincial & Federal Government
Provincial
- Find all the daily totals for tests, new cases, vaccinations and more statistical information in one easy spot with the Nova Scotia COVID-19 Dashboard.
- The NS government has created a helpful roundup of closures, cancellations and service changes amid the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.
- Learn about the latest measures from the Government of Nova Scotia.
- Watch a collection of archived news conferences related to COVID-19 from the NS Government
- The Nova Scotia COVID-19 Rapid Screening Program for Workplaces supports employers across the province to put in place regular screening for their staff. Test kits are provided by the province for free through the federal government. Interested employers can learn more about the program and how to sign up here.
Federal
Find out the latest from the Public Health Agency of Canada including the current situation, risk to Canadians and how Canada is monitoring COVID-19
- Visit the Government of Canada‘s website for outbreak updates, prevention, travel, and financial and economic supports for Canadians
- Download the COVID-19 Support App. This app lets you receive the latest updates, trusted resources, and self-assess your symptoms. Download the app on iOS | Download the app on Android
Health & Safety
Government of Nova Scotia
The Nova Scotia provincial government has compiled guidance and resources for employers and employees on how to keep workplaces safe and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.This includes:
- Health Protection Act Order and public health measures
- Cleaning and disinfecting
- Masks
- New! Guidelines: Masks and Respirators in Non-healthcare Workplaces (click to view) includes information on how to choose the right type of mask in non-healthcare workplaces, how to ensure the proper fit, and when wearing a mask is required.
- Occupational health and safety (OHS)
- Workplace COVID-19 screening program
- Employee support
- Keeping customers safe
- Factsheets and posters
- Contacts
Government of Canada
- Free rapid tests for workplace screening
How to get rapid tests, benefits and implementation - Guidance for workplaces and businesses
Advice for employers, employees and specific types of workplaces - Personal protective equipment (PPE) supply hub
Information for businesses requiring PPE for their employees
- The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has free tip sheets available online that provide health and safety tips for both workers and employers and are specific to each industry or sector. Click here to download the Construction tip sheet.
- Check out some tips from the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia on self-care while working from home.
- The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA) has released its “Tips for Staying Safe While Working at your Trade.” Click here to access their tips.
- Take a look at Build Right Nova Scotia’s resources for COVID-19
Mental Health & Addictions Services
- If you’re experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, or are concerned about someone who is, the Provincial Mental Health Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call toll-free: 1-888-429-8167
- Crisis Text Line is available for adults who are going through a difficult time and need someone to text with. This service is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Text NSSTRONG to 741741.
- If you or a family member needs help, you can self-refer to a mental health or addictions clinic, service or program through the Nova Scotia Health Authority or IWK Health Centre. Call toll-free: 1-855-922-1122 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm)
- For non-emergency advice and information about mental health and addictions, call 811.
- Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) is a free and confidential online resource with interactive activities and videos for people facing mental health challenges. It includes activities on a variety of topics, and you can choose which ones you want to explore.
- Wellness Together Canada is an online tool that connects you with support, resources and counselling for mental health and substance use.
- Download The Working Mind COVID-19 Self-care & Resilience Guide (PDF).
Financial Support
Provincial
The Sector Impact Support Program provides a one-time grant of up to $7,500 to help small business owners that have been impacted by the new province-wide public health restrictions. Applications will open early January 2022.
Nova Scotians who need to take time off work because of COVID-19 may qualify for up to four paid sick days through the COVID-19 Sick Leave Program. More details to come.
Federal
The Government of Canada has compiled resources to help you manage your business during COVID-19 and includes Resources for businesses, their employees and self‑employed individuals including financial support, loans and access to credit:
Support for businesses
- Financial support
- Support for self-employed individuals
- Indigenous businesses
- Support for sectors
- Support for communities
The Local Lockdown Program is a way businesses, charities, and non-profits affected by a qualifying public health restriction can be eligible for wage and rent support through the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP). You do not have to be in the tourism, hospitality, arts, entertainment, or recreation sectors to be eligible for this support.
The Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit gives temporary income support to employed and self-employed people who cannot work due to a COVID-19 lockdown.
Industry & Business
- Working on mandatory COVID-19 vaccination and testing policy? WATCH: “COVID Vaccination in the Workplace | 5 Kay Employer FAQs” from Construction Safety Nova Scotia. Presented by McInnis Cooper this recorded webinar explores the legal considerations employers must keep in mind while creating workplace vaccination policy.
- Free self-screening rapid testing kits will be distributed to interested small and medium-sized businesses via The Halifax Chamber of Commerce and the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce, which are both provincially approved COVID-19 rapid test distributors. Learn more for businesses in CBRM. Learn more for businesses in Halifax.
- The Creative Destruction Labs (CDL) Rapid Testing Consortium was recently expanded to Cape Breton. This initiative is aimed at providing workplaces with self-administered testing kits for their employees. To learn more about being part of the CDL Rapid Testing Consortium, please visit CDLRapidTestingConsortium.com. You can also register your business here.
- Wondering what support is available for you and your employees during COVID-19? Check out this roundup from the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. Or, watch a recording of their Business Support Series: Update on Programs for Recovery session (recorded on May 21, 2021).
- CCA releases COVID-19 – Standardized Protocols for All Canadian Construction Sites. (Updated April 2021)
- Check out CCA’s free tools available to you on their COVID-19 Resources page.
- The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency has developed FAQs for navigating training, government grants and more in the wake of COVID-19.
- Take a look at online training courses available through Construction Safety Nova Scotia.
Resources From CANS Members
- Check out this resource: A COVID-19 Hygiene Audit Checklist, developed by Bird Construction
- Check out Aon’s COVID-19 Response Site, established to support organizations in mounting effective infectious disease (pandemic) response and in planning for impacts.
- Grant Thornton is encouraging associations, groups, not-for-profits and charities to check out their COVID-19 website.
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Enterprise Truck will remain on-call and available to service first responders and essential service providers. Click here for details of their on-call service, or visit their website for more information.
- In this time of uncertainty with the progression of the COVID-19 outbreak in Canada, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Halifax-Bedford on Parkland Drive is committed to keeping doors open and to be there for the community. For more information call at (902) 444-6700.