I would think that they would have to be near settled. December 1st 2018 is a very long time ago. I know they decide on PhD students first, but if past years are anything to go by, they would have only two full business weeks left to solidify the cohort (I have seen that people sometimes receive notifications as early as March 10th).
Somedays I find myself feeling convinced that I will get in and other days, convinced that there isn't a snowball's chance in hell.
Good luck to both of you as well.