HALIFAX -- Nova Scotia is launching a new COVID-19 sick leave program for residents who must take time off work. Nova Scotians may qualify for up to four paid sick days under the new $16 million program, which is expected to help more than 100,000 residents. The program is for people who can't work remotely and miss less than 50 per cent of their scheduled work time in a one-week period due to COVID-19. It includes those who need to take time off because they are awaiting a COVID-19 test appointment, those who are getting tested, are self-isolating while awaiting test results, or are going to get vaccinated.