Schools remain closed
Dear Dartmouth South,
It’s been a week since the first tentative steps have been taken to loosen restrictions related to COVID-19. For the most part people have been responsibly (and joyously!) taking advantage of our parks and trails. I encourage you to get outside, get some fresh air, and enjoy the many parks and trails of Dartmouth.
With these first steps come lots of questions about what's next. There are three weekly press conferences on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Fridays where Dr. Strang is laying out plans for the gradual re-opening of our communities. These are broadcast live on CBC, 95.7, Facebook , YouTube, and on the NS government website.
In today’s press briefing we learned:
Schools will remain closed for this school year.
Online school will continue until June 5th and teachers will work until the end of June to get assessments and report cards done.
The tentative plan is to have daycares open on June 8th. Public health will consult with operators over the next few weeks to make sure they can do so safely.
Dr. Strang went through the presentation he gave to business chambers, non-profits, etc. earlier this week. You can download a PDF of the slides here.
It appears that we have passed the peak of infections, at least for this wave, and that is a relief. But community spread remains active. If you or anyone you know has symptoms please call 811, or go to the Dartmouth North community testing site at the Dartmouth North community centre.
Tragic news continues to come from Northwood, the province’s largest long-term care facility. Northwood has been decimated by COVID-19. Almost everyone knows someone connected to the facility. The situation has been stabilized there, but it is likely that we will continue to see more deaths and infections at least in the short term as the current cases continue to run their course. The situation has raised many questions about Northwood and long-term care in Nova Scotia and across the country. Right now the focus is on supporting the patients and staff; there will be time for the necessary questions and investigations to ensure that we don’t see a repeat of this tragedy.
The NSNDP has been asking for Legislative Committees, especially Health and Public Accounts, to reconvene, slowly and safely, for the past few weeks. Here is a conversation I had with the Sheldon MacLeod show Wednesday afternoon. Just prior to air the official opposition put out a call for the Health Committee to meet. Since it’s airing we were happy to hear that the Public Accounts Committee appears to be making efforts to get back to work. We are ready to take our seats and do our jobs to contribute to the work to find our way to the new normal in collaboration with all parties.
The situation and the news is changing daily, and we are all struggling to keep up. What questions do you have? Let me know by emailing me at claudiachendermla@gmail.com using the subject line "I'd like to know" and I’ll try to address them in my next newsletter.
Our councillor, Sam Austin, put out an excellent update this week. It includes an opportunity for you to submit suggestions for new street names in Downtown Dartmouth.
My office remains open for your needs. You can contact us at 902-406-2301 or claudiachendermla@gmail.com.
Best,
Claudia
Education
It’s now confirmed that all schools are closed until September, with online learning continuing until June 5.
The Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) is planning for the 2020-21 school year and the number of students currently registered does not match the projected enrolment for the fall. If your child will be attending school in the fall, please register now to ensure the HRCE can plan for staffing and resources. Register here.
The MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning’s Virtual Programming was such a success, they introduced a new offering from May 4 to June 26, register here.
Provincial Updates
On Thursday The Essential Health Care Workers Program was announced. This will provide eligible health-care workers a bonus of up to $2000 after a four-month period, beginning March 13, 2020. It includes eligible employees at the Nova Scotia Health Authority, IWK Health Centre and in long-term care, home care and in-home support and emergency health services. Employees who volunteered to be redeployed to work at a facility experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak will also receive this benefit.
The program is expected to benefit up to 43,000 health-care workers in the province. The Department of Health and Wellness will work with its partners to deliver the money. The province will contribute $13.4 million, with the federal government contributing $80.5 million.
Federal Updates
This week the federal government announced measures to support Canadian food producers affected by COVID-19. Investments include providing access to provide PPE and upgrading facilities for safety, support farmers through temporary closures and extra costs.
Anti-food waste measures like the Surplus Food Purchase Program will ensure unsold food will be redistributed to organizations that feed the most vulnerable Canadians.
As with all federal programs, please reach out to your MP for questions. In Dartmouth, that is Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, 902-462-6453.
Community
Dartmouth Emergency Gluten-Free Pantry
Are you gluten-free or Celiac and struggle to afford food? Call Hannah Minzloff (902-223-9479) to sign up for a FREE weekly gluten-free food box. Each box includes a variety of 100% gluten free products + fresh produce.
Home delivery on TUESDAYS or pickup on WEDNESDAYS at Stairs Memorial United Church, 44 Hester Street. Thanks to community collaboration this is a FREE service during COVID-19.
Now Hiring
The Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission is hiring a Marketing/Membership Engagement Assistant. Details on their website.
Mental Health
Kids Help Phone is offering crisis response across Canada, no matter your age. In this moment of tragedy and loss, they are always there for anyone looking for support. To receive free, confidential, 24/7 support:
Young people can text NSSTRONG to 686868
Adults can text NSSTRONG to 741741 – this is a new service
Volunteer
Volunteer Nova Scotia has updated their website. Find a place to volunteer (even from home!) to help out during this crisis, or let others know your organization needs volunteers.
Up-to-date information:
Provincial: novascotia.ca/coronavirus
Federal: Canada.ca/coronavirus
Municipal: Halifax Emergency Services COVID-19 Information