The deadline has passed for mandated employees to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

Provincial civil servants were given until the end of November to have at least a first dose of vaccine or risk being put on unpaid leave from their jobs.

In a release, Premier Tim Houston says he has been told there would be few disruptions to service as 99 percent of provincial government employees have been vaccinated with at least one dose.

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development says some school bus routes in Halifax may be impacted but those will be covered off by other drivers.

Long-term care facilities across the province are keeping a close eye the number of unvaccinated employees as well.

The sector already struggles to maintain staffing levels and anyone not reporting for work could affect care at those facilities.

According to the Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care the shortfall could be made up by offering full time employment to existing casual and part time workers.

Employment agencies and travelling nursing staff could also be brought in.

Just 20 exemptions to the vaccine mandate have been granted.

Two of those came from the 134 human rights requests and 18 exemptions were issued from 49 medical requests.

Almost 85 percent of Nova Scotians have been vaccinated with one dose and 81.3 percent are fully vaccinated.

E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

To listen to the broadcast of this story, press play below.