Bill Horne

The Small Business Real Property Tax Rebate Program opens today & we’ve expanded it to accommodate sectors hit hard by pandemic including: - independent retailers with a physical location - organizations offering live performing arts... The SBRPTRP provides businesses support through a one-time rebate of a portion of their paid property taxes. Eligible businesses can choose: - a rebate of $1,000 - 50 per cent of the commercial real property taxes paid for the final six months of the 2020-21 tax year. For more information, visit: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20210514002

Today is Nurses Day. Let’s express our sincere appreciation for Nova Scotia’s nurses. They are such a vital part of our efforts in the fight against COVID-19. Honour our nurses by following all public health measures. Thank you for all you do.

Today, May 11th, we are announcing 118 new COVID-19 cases. Another day of cases declining is a positive sign that we're on the right track - but this does not mean that we can stop following health restrictions. Stay home, only go out if necessary, and closely follow ALL the public health restrictions.... 98 cases in Central Zone 11 cases in Eastern Zone 4 cases in Northern Zone 5 in Western Zone 1,591 Active Cases 64 hospitalizations People aged 40 and older can now book appointments for Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines at clinics across the province. People aged 40 - 64 can book appointments for the AstraZeneca vaccine. COVID-19 vaccination appointments must be made online at https://www.novascotia.ca/vaccination or by phone at 1-833-797-7772. Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing has reopened at the primary assessment centres across the province. To book an appointment, visit: https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en The following people can and should continue to book tests: -- anyone with symptoms -- anyone who has been notified that they are a close contact of a known case -- anyone who has been at an exposure location -- anyone who has travelled outside Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador Nova Scotians are strongly encouraged to use pop-up sites if they are not showing symptoms but want to be tested. Rapid testing pop-up sites continue to be set up around the province. More information on testing can be found at https://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting Stay Safe & Stay Home.

146 cases reported today: As expected, the case number is still high as the lab works through its backlog. Please stay home, only go out if necessary, and closely follow the restrictions. 130 cases in Central Zone 9 cases in Eastern Zone 4 case in Northern Zone 3 in Western Zone... 943 Active Cases 40 people in hospital, including six in ICU There is community spread in Central Zone. The Eastern, Northern and Western Zones continue to be closely monitored for community spread. Due to the backlog, anyone who already has an asymptomatic appointment booked should cancel it following instructions in their confirmation email. The following people can and should continue to book tests: -- anyone with symptoms -- anyone who has been notified that they are a close contact of a known case -- anyone who has been at an exposure location -- anyone who has travelled outside Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador Nova Scotians are strongly encouraged to use pop-up sites if they are not showing symptoms but want to be tested. Rapid testing pop-up sites continue to be set up around the province. More information on testing can be found at https://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting

This weekend, Nova Scotia’s 22nd Premier Donald Cameron, passed away, he was 74. He had a well-respected long time career in politics and as MLA for Pictou East, he spent his life working to make his community and our province a better place. We are thinking of his family today.

Drive-thru clinic opening tomorrow ** Starting today, May 3, people aged 50 and older can book appointments for Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines at clinics across the province. All community clinics and many participating pharmacies have available appointments for this age group. Our first COVID-19 vaccination drive-thru clinic will open on Monday, May 10, at the Dartmouth General Hospital! This clinic will be for people 50 and older, and appointments for that clinic won’t be available to book until tomorrow (May 4th) We continue to encourage all Nova Scotians to get vaccinated as soon as their eligible! For information regarding booking your appointment and age group eligibilities visit: https://novascotia.ca/.../book-your-vaccination-appointment/