April Covid-19 Update
Dear Dartmouth South,
In addition to the social media updates and information on my website, I wanted to reach out directly from the MLA office (home office) to let you know what my colleagues and I have been working on. As you’ll have experienced, every day has been a flurry of new announcements from public health and all levels of government. As the development and spread of Covid-19 is rapidly changing the context of our world, adjustments are constantly being made. While things are far from settled down, we’ve all reached the point I hope where we are at least trying to settle in to this new reality.
My office is maintaining a robust web page of resources which is regularly updated and can be accessed at any time. We have been communicating with constituents over phone and email and updating Dartmouth via our website and on Facebook, twitter, and Instagram. Because of the daily news conferences we have not been preparing regular digests by email, but if this is something you are interested in, please do let us know. What follows is a summary of some useful information. For more details, follow the links, or you can always call us at 902-406-2301 or email claudiachendermla@gmail.com.
Nova Scotia is currently under a State of Emergency until noon on April 19th. We expect it to be extended again at that time. All parks and beaches and most trails are closed and the Province is enforcing hefty fines against people who don’t adhere to these new rules. Generally speaking, if a trail is within walking distance of your home you may use it for exercise while maintaining appropriate physical distancing. Here in Dartmouth South, Sullivan’s Pond is closed, as are all other parks. Tape has been put up and fences have been closed. Please observe these barriers if you come upon them and take another route.
If you have lost your job
We know that there are many people in Dartmouth who are out of work. If you have lost your job because of Covid-19, you have a few options:
If you cannot work because you are sick with Covid-19 or are caring for someone with Covid-19, you should apply for EI Sickness Benefits. Special number: 1-833-381-2725
If your workplace shut down or laid you off, you should apply for regular EI.
If you are not eligible for EI, you may be eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). Check out my Instagram post about how to apply.
(Provincial) Worker Emergency Bridge Fund to help the self-employed and those laid-off workers who do not qualify for Employment Insurance. (News release)
A list of other tax benefits you may be eligible for may be found here.
If you are a senior or know a senior
We hope you are taking particular care at this time to self isolate and allow your network of friends, family, and neighbours to help you obtain necessities such as groceries.
Know that the federal government is reducing the required minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) by 25% for 2020. If you have any questions about CPP, OAS, GIS, Income Tax, GST, etc., please reach out to Darren Fisher, MP Dartmouth-Cole Harbour by phone at 902-462-6453 or email darren.fisher@parl.gc.ca.
CARP (Canadian Association of Retired Persons) Nova Scotia is asking “what are your greatest concerns and how would you want CARP to advocate for you with business, government and the community to help you and your family survive the crisis?” Fill out their survey here.
Sadly, many new scams are cropping up at this time. CARP recently partnered with Zoomer Magazine and HomeEquity Bank to talk about how new scams work and to provide some tips to avoid them. Watch the video here. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre created this page of advice for discerning scams and what scams have been reported so far.
We know that seniors make up a huge portion of the volunteer workforce and that you may be feeling torn between wanting to help your community and the directive to stay safe. If you need non-emergency, non-medical help, call 211 or visit ns.211.ca.
If you own a small business
Perhaps the most asked-about issue we’re getting is around small businesses. Most small businesses are not insured against a pandemic and many are feeling the weight of financial fallout from loss of business.
As of today there are several programs in place to support the Canadian and Nova Scotian economy, but they do not cover everyone. The details of many of these programs are scarce and my colleagues and I are pushing for more support.
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy aims to help businesses keep and return workers to their payroll by providing a 75%wage subsidy to eligible employers for up to 12 weeks, retroactive to March 15, 2020.
The Canada Emergency Business Account provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits through their financial institutions.
The Nova Scotia Commercial Rent Deferral Support Program provides a government guarantee to rents deferred by way of Rent Deferral Agreement for the months of April, May, and June 2020.
Small Business Impact Grant. Eligible small businesses and social enterprises will receive a grant of 15% of their revenue from sales. (News release)
If you can, please support small businesses. Many are still operating online, Here are five places you can shop safely and support local!
Visit the virtual Alderney Market and pick up a box of produce
Buy a gift card from a local shop, eatery, or service
Get fresh produce from local farmers
If you have kids
You probably feel as taxed as I do trying to entertain, teach, and (hopefully) work all under the stress of Covid-19. Schools are closed until at least May 1st and it’s possible that this will be extended. The province has created a portal of resources for parents and teachers to help navigate learning at home.
Beginning next week students will begin remote learning, either online directly from schools, in google classroom for students with access, or via paper learning packages distributed by Saltwire (If you want a paper learning package but are not registered to receive flyers please visit this site to ensure that you receive your packages). Teachers are reaching out to all families.
Some parents and students are eager, ready, and able to take a crack at homeschool. Many of us have seen schedules and cute work plans posted online. But most of us find this a challenge--because of multiple kids, work commitments, stress, blended family logistics, or a variety of other reasons. And that is ok. The guidance is 5 hours of work per week, mostly self directed, and the system is prepared to make up for lost learning when things are back up and running. Take it easy on yourself and your family--being loving and connected is the first goal.
Locally, the MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning is offering online programming.
Regulated daycare centres will also be closed until at least May 1. Non-regulated daycares are permitted with up to 6 children.
In reality, most of us are home with our children. While it can be uncomfortable at times, it’s a blessing and it’s a very small price to pay to keep Dartmouth healthy, especially the folks who are most vulnerable. The good news is that there are a variety of awesome online activities available for kids, here are just sample of the ones my family is using:
Cincinnati Zoo live safaris on Facebook
Community Champions
The Dartmouth Heritage Museum is making history right now by collecting your stories and experiences! Fill out their questionnaire here.
Our local food banks, Margaret’s House, and Meals on Wheels continue to work hard to safely provide food to those in need at this time. They are local heroes! As you may know, most of the volunteer workforce is made up of the senior population, who must stay home at this time.
These crucial services are feeling the squeeze more than ever right now. If you are able, please donate to these incredible organizations. My office is doing our best to support these front line service providers, and we are compiling a list of local and locally impactful charities here.
The biggest community champions are the incredible front line workers, volunteers, and health professionals keeping us going in these very uncertain times, including the staff of the Dartmouth General Hospital. Please, stay home for them.
Just for you
Take a poignant and beautiful winter walk down Portland Street with the Bard of Dartmouth, Joel Plaskett 💙
Key resources and contacts
Keep up-to-date with information from all levels of government online here:
Provincial Updates
Federal Updates
Municipal Updates
COVID-19 Hotline: 1-833-784-4397
COVID-19 Assessment (only if you have symptoms): 811
Darren Fisher,Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, 902-462-6453
Our office remains open and we are always here to help.
902-406-2301
claudiachendermla@gmail.com
www.claudiachender.ca
Stay safe and be kind.
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