We have now gone 15 days without a new case of COVID-19, and we are seeing lots of changes as a result. Last week we got the exciting news that family bubbles were replaced with new gathering limits of up to 10 people. There has been some confusion, so here are the points to remember as we move into this new phase:
- We can now gather in groups of 10 without physical distancing. It’s strongly recommended that you keep the members of your circle consistent--similar to the bubble guidelines. This is particularly important if someone in your group is at a higher risk of health complications due to COVID-19.
- We are also permitted to gather in groups of 50 while maintaining the normal physical distance of 2 metres of 6 feet. This is to help facilitate social events such as faith gatherings, sports and physical activity, weddings and funerals, and arts and cultural events like theatre performances, dance recitals, festivals, and concerts.
All other public health measures should continue to be observed:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds regularly.
- When in public, keep a physical distance of two metres, and/or wear a mask where social distancing is not possible.
This link may offer some additional clarity.
Playgrounds are also open and are getting great use.
Just today the Atlantic Bubble was announced. As of July 3, Atlantic Canadian residents will be able to travel throughout the four Atlantic provinces without needing to self-isolate. This will be a much-needed boost for our struggling tourism industry. As long as people are safe and vigilant, this is a needed next step as we move towards a new normal sphere of activities. In the meantime, whether or not you decide to travel you can definitely help local businesses by frequenting those that are open as often as you are able!
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A HUGE congratulations to all the 2020 grads out there! I wish you all the very best!
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My office did not close when COVID-19 hit Nova Scotia. We have been working remotely and using the phone, online conferencing, and email to work with constituents. As businesses and government begin to allow more in-person services, our office will again be available for in-person meetings by appointment. We will continue to be available for online and phone support as well. We are following the public health orders still in place and ask that those visiting us in person keep two metres distance and wear a mask in our office. If you do not have a mask, we can provide one.
Best,
Claudia
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On Friday we teamed up with the Mobile Food Market to deliver 88 hampers full of a mix of fresh and dry food, a mask, and a gift card throughout Dartmouth! Each hamper weighed 40 lbs and our incredible volunteers hand-delivered each one on what happened to be the hottest day of 2020 so far. A HUGE shoutout to them!
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Watch a video of the Mobile Food Market team getting these hampers prepped and ready to go out to the public.
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Instead of cancelling summer camps altogether, HRM is now offering limited half-day camps from July 13 through to August 28 during the week. Morning camps run from 9 am to 12 noon, afternoon camps run from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. You are only able to register your child for either the morning or afternoon sessions, not both. Registration opens on June 23 for July camps.
Check out the municipal website for more information.
Also, the Zatzman Sportsplex just announced that with the change in social distancing rules summer camps are back on! Registration opens Thursday, July 2, 2020, at 9:00 am.
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The CERB, which was set to expire at the end of June, was extended this week for those who:
- stopped working due to COVID-19 or
- are eligible for Employment Insurance regular or sickness benefits or
- have exhausted their Employment Insurance regular benefits or Employment Insurance fishing benefits between December 29, 2019, and October 3, 2020.
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.
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"A new twist on and old favourite—Open City is back for a special edition that spans four weekends in June and July! Our local businesses need our support now more than ever. So, as the economy gears up again, we’ve rejigged Open City so you can have even more of it than usual."
Re-Open City takes place over FOUR Saturdays. Mark your calendar for June 27, July 4, July 11, and July 18.
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Watch this video and listen to a beautiful love letter of hope to our province by LaMeia Reddick.
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“I’m so inspired by the Nova Scotia Strong movement that is sweeping through the East Coast. To me, it demonstrates that Nova Scotians are taking a stance on who they want to be. Can we be Nova Scotia Safe for everyone? Can we be a Nova Scotia that is just and equitable? We need to ask ourselves: are we prepared to do the necessary work to become Nova Scotia Healed?” - LaMeia Reddick
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Mental Health Support
The Mental Health Provincial Crisis Line is available 24/7 to anyone experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, or someone concerned about them: 1-888-429-8167 (toll-free)
Kids Help Phone is available 24/7: 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free)
Morneau Shepell has also opened its 24/7 bilingual crisis support line to help anyone in need of emotional support as a result of the recent tragic events in our province: 1-844-751-2133
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Self-Assessment
If you have two or more of the following symptoms, visit https://811.novascotia.ca to determine if you should call 811 for further assessment:
- fever (i.e. chills, sweats)
- cough or worsening of a previous cough
- sore throat
- headache
- shortness of breath
- muscle aches
- sneezing
- nasal congestion/runny nose
- hoarse voice
- diarrhea
- unusual fatigue
- loss of sense of smell or taste
- red, purple or blueish lesions on the feet, toes or fingers without a clear cause.
Other Support
For help or information about domestic violence 24/7, call 1-855-225-0220 (toll-free)
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