Testing for COVID-19, celebration, and isolation
Dear Dartmouth South,
Last week marked the first Covid-19-related deaths in Nova Scotia. My heart goes out to the families of the two Cape Bretoners who died.
Testing
There are 22 primary assessment centres in Nova Scotia: 21 operated by Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) and one operated by the IWK Health Centre. Temporary primary assessment centres are operating in two communities. Additionally, two mobile assessment centres are being established by NSHA to do community-based testing, and Emergency Health Services operates two field assessment units, one in Halifax Regional Municipality and one in Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Cases of Covid-19 range in age of under 10 to over 90 and most of these are still travel-related.
Dr. Strang has now confirmed that there is community spread within the province, and therefore the list of symptoms being screened for testing has expanded. If you have two or more of the following symptoms, visit 811.novascotia.ca to determine whether you should call 811 for further assessment:
fever
new or worsening cough
sore throat
runny nose
headache
Dr. Strang has also announced that we will likely continue to be under the current restrictions until at least June, at which time they will slowly be lifted. I think it’s safe to expect that summer 2020 will be different from previous years.
Going forward, there will be more strict rules at the Nova Scotia border. If you travel to Nova Scotia, you will be stopped and questioned. Private campgrounds are closed under the public health order.
Celebrations look different this year
Whether you’re observing Easter, Passover, Rama Navami, or any other spring celebration, thank you for staying home. My family and I celebrated our first virtual Seder last week and while different it was a very special opportunity to gather with family near and far, including people we don’t usually get to celebrate with. I encourage you to stay home and reach out by phone, or video to those you love.
Don't qualify for CERB?
If your hours were drastically reduced but you did not lose your job because of Covid-19, you are not eligible for the CERB. Your workplace should apply for the Wage Subsidy Program to supplement your income and keep you on staff at your regular pay.
That said, we are expecting to hear from the federal government this week about another wave of funding for people who are not captured by the CERB. This includes those who are still working and therefore are not eligible for CERB, Employment Insurance, or Income Assistance, regardless how much their income has been cut back. We also expect to hear about support for students whose job placement opportunities have been put on hold indefinitely due to Covid-19.
The CERB is a federal program. For more information, check the federal website here or contact your MP Darren Fisher at 902-462-6453 or darren.fisher@parl.gc.ca.
Small Business Relief
Applications are now open for the Provincial Small Business Impact Grant. Eligible small businesses, non-profits, charities, and social enterprises who have had to close or reduce operations because of the public health order may be eligible for a flexible grant. More details and applications are available here.
Here is a handy guide from the Halifax Chamber of Commerce about the entire inventory of relief available to small business. Information is also available from the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission.
We recognize that these programs still have gaps, especially for small retail and other businesses who have heeded the Premier’s message to stay home. We continue to advocate for more relief for these small businesses, many of whom form the backbone of Downtown Dartmouth.
Masks
There has been a lot of debate around the utility of wearing a homemade mask or another face covering such as a bandana. There is some evidence to suggest that wearing such a mask is protective because it can reduce the likelihood that you will touch your face and thereby transmit germs to surfaces around you. However, they are no substitutes for medical-grade masks that are increasingly expensive and in limited supply. The most recent advice is that it is a good idea to wear a home made mask if you can’t practice social distancing (eg, in the grocery store). It’s important to wear them properly, not touch the front, and wash and dry thoroughly between wearings. Please save medical grade masks for our front line workers.
The best defence against Covid-19 is still physical distancing and washing your hands.
Want to talk?
My office is hearing the effects that isolation is having on everyone, particularly on seniors. If you have a senior in your life, please consider reaching out to them to chat. We’re hearing that particularly those who do not use the internet are feeling left out of the conversation. 211’s services will expand over the weekend and, in partnership with the Red Cross, they will be able to call for wellness check-ins.
There are a few other places in the community to connect:
The Dartmouth Family and Community Food Centre is hosting bi-weekly parenting and caregiver groups on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am-10:30am via Zoom.
They also offer a phone support for people living alone. Call 902-483-7376 and leave a message for a callback within 24 hours. Check out their Facebook page or scroll down on their main website for more information.
Healthy Minds Cooperative is hosting free, weekly, online discussions Wednesdays from 11am - 12 pm.
“Brad our Navigator and Lesley our Wellness Coordinator will lead a discussion each week on how to balance our emotional wellbeing during this challenging time. Participants can interact at the level that they are comfortable with.
The Halifax Public Libraries launched a community phone line this week.
Call 902-490-5753 to:
Find out the current status of Library service and closures.
Ask us anything you normally would the Help Desk.
Ask informational questions, including basic questions about COVID-19.
Get reading recommendations or E-Library support.
Chat and catch up. We miss talking to you!
The phone line will be staffed
Monday-Thursday | 9:00am-9:00pm
Friday & Saturday | 9:00am-6:00pm
Sunday | 12:00pm-6:00pm
And our office remains open virtually for your constituency-related needs. We will be closed for the long weekend but don’t hesitate to call 902-406-2301 or email claudiachendermla@gmail.com if you need assistance.
Sending you wishes of health and safety,
Claudia
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