This week public health reported the first death in Nova Scotia from COVID-19 since August 2020. My heart goes out to the family of the woman who died.
A number of restrictions are being lifted as of tomorrow, Saturday, March 20th at 8 am., including all restrictions specific to HRM that were different from the rest of the province.
Recognized businesses and organizations can resume events with up to 150 people outside and 50% capacity indoors to a maximum of 100 people.
Bar and restaurant in-person service is extended to 11 pm, with doors closing at midnight.
You may now have up to 10 visitors in addition to the number of family members who live in your home. For example, if you are a family of five, you can have up to 15 people in your home at a time. Please continue to keep your close circle small.
Immediate family members who live in the same household can be together outdoors even if their total number is greater than 10 people.
The general gathering limit remains at 10 indoors and outdoors with the exception of family homes described above.
Licensed and unlicensed establishments such as community centres, charities, and organized clubs can host activities such as darts, cards, pool, bowling, bingo or karaoke following guidelines for these activities.
Long-term care facilities in Halifax are opening up to visitors in addition to immediate caregivers.
Visitors are allowed in adult residential centres and regional rehabilitation centres licensed by the Department of Community Services and residents can resume full community access.
Fitness facilities continue to operate at 75% capacity but can return to two metre distancing between people for all activities.
Retail businesses and malls can operate at 75% capacity while following other public health measures.
Sports practices and training and arts and culture rehearsals and performances can have 60 people without physical distancing.
Sports games, competitions, and tournaments are allowed within the team's regular competitive schedule.
Spectators are allowed if the business or organization hosting the event has a gathering plan that follows event guidelines.
Vaccine
I've heard from a number of frustrated constituents this week who are still struggling to book a vaccine despite further efforts to break up the booking schedule by birthdate. If you are one of these people, remember that once you become eligible to receive that vaccine, you remain eligible until you receive it. There is no "window" in which you have the opportunity to get vaccinated.
For those 80+ and born between January 1st and August 31st, there are still openings at the IWK and the Halifax Forum sites. Dr. Strang's team advised that there is still a long wait if you try to book by telephone so expect a queue. They are working to set up another call centre for April, which will double the capacity of available booking lines. Peak times are the morning and supper time so try to call outside of these hours. Starting Monday, March 22 at 7 am, all Nova Scotians 80+ (including those born September-December) will be eligible to book a vaccine.
AstraZeneca vaccine availability has also expanded to include 60 to 62-year-olds. If you are between the ages of 60 and 64 you can book at novascotia.ca/vaccination or by phone at 1-833-797-7772 until the full supply has been administered.
AstraZeneca is safe. The benefits far outweigh the rare risks associated with this vaccine.
If you require transportation to and from your vaccine appointment there are a few services available in Dartmouth other than taxis:
The Dartmouth Seniors Service Centre offers low-cost medical transportation and free rides for members who are eligible to receive a vaccine.
VON volunteers and paid drivers provide seniors and adults with disabilities transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, adult day programs, and other appointments.
Seniors Transit offers transportation for seniors and persons with mobility needs. You must inquire about their rates.
The Province released an updated set of FAQs regarding the vaccine rollout, which I'll include here:
The Province and Public Health announced that the Atlantic Bubble will reopen on April 19th! In the meantime, residents of New Brunswick will no longer have to self-isolate upon arrival in Nova Scotia beginning tomorrow morning. As of the time of writing, Nova Scotians do still have to self-isolate when visiting New Brunswick.
Other announcements
The Province announced that full-time foster families will receive a one-time payment of $5,000 under the Because You Care Foster Family initiative in recognition of the fact that foster families incur expenses for which they often do not submit a claim.
2021 sportfishing season opens April 1st.
As always, if you’d like to discuss the topics at the top of your mind, or if you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at ClaudiaChenderMLA@gmail.com or 902-406-2301.
Claudia
Legislature Update
As always, you can keep up with my work in the legislature on my website where I post my work when it becomes available from Hansard. Last week I spoke on the devastating loss of mental health supports from Downtown Dartmouth, asked the new Premier to commit to universal childcare, and spoke on the Police Identity Management Act.
REMINDER: Part of my time in the legislature is used to officially recognize groups and individuals in our community who are doing exceptional work or who meet significant milestones, such as welcoming Eastern Front Theatre back to Alderney Landing.
If you would like to suggest a person or group from Dartmouth South, please let me know by emailing my office or by filling out this form.
Statement on the loss of mental health services from the Dartmouth core.
Traffic Safety Act
Nova Scotians can now provide feedback on proposed regulations that outline the roles and responsibilities for various agencies established by the Traffic Safety Act, including law enforcement and traffic authorities. Find these regulations at the bottom of this page.
This is the fifth group of draft regulations being shared for public comment.
Highlights of this phase of regulations include:
requirements and standards for traffic signal lights and other road signs, including the addition of traffic signals for bicycles
highway marking standards
modernizing the process for issuing winter parking restrictions
clarification of rules around seizing and impounding vehicles
enabling businesses and non-profit organizations to obtain accessible parking permits when transporting and assisting individuals with a mobility impairment
The deadline to provide feedback on regulations related to roles and responsibilities is April 2, 2021. Email your feedback on the regulations to tsa@novascotia.ca.
The Traffic Safety Act regulations are being released in phases. The phases released so far include regulations for drivers, vehicles, rules for using the road and business licencing. Draft regulations on the administrative part, which includes penalties, are expected to be released for comment in late March.
Local Issues
Nova Scotia Power
I received information from Nova Scotia Power this week that they will be replacing underground equipment in the Portland Street and Alderney Drive area this spring, and replacing cables and transformers along Alderney Drive from North Street to Prince Street in June. I hope this will finally translate to fewer unplanned and seemingly unprovoked outages in Dartmouth.
Glyphosate
Every year CN Railway clears the right-of-way tracks of vegetation. I usually hear from constituents who are concerned about the issue of glyphosate use and the potential harms that chemical could inflict. Locally, CN is not allowed to spray anywhere in Downtown Dartmouth because there are houses or businesses within 30 meters of the tracks from Burnside through to Eastern Passage. You can read more about CN's annual vegetation management program at cn.ca/vegetation.
More broadly, it has been frustrating that the Province has not directly addressed community concerns about glyphosate, of which there are many. The fact that spraying approvals are granted before the public has had a chance to weigh in, is another reason Nova Scotia needs an Environmental Bill of Rights. We need to transition away from an unsustainable model of forestry in order to ensure healthy forests and good jobs for generations to come.
It’s important to us that people living on lower incomes benefit from energy efficiency and feel comfortable at home. That’s why we offer a no-charge energy assessment and potential upgrades to income-qualified homeowners. Find out if you're eligible.
If draft-proofing, insulation or other efficiency options can help make heating and cooling your home substantially more affordable and comfortable, upgrades will be installed and coordinated at no cost to you.
Are you a young reader who especially enjoys books written by African Canadian and Indigenous authors? Would you like to join a community of like-minded peers from across Atlantic Canada?
If you answered YES to either of the questions, and…
you’re between 10 to 18 years old
you’ve resided somewhere within Atlantic Canada over the past year
… then Digitally Lit’s virtual Afro-Indigenous Book Club...spearheaded by me, Nova Scotia Youth Ambassador Damini Awoyiga... is for YOU!
Afro-Indigenous Book Club participants will read books written by Black and Indigenous authors from Atlantic Canada to create awareness for stories that reflect Black and Indigenous realities and experiences. Participants will also have an opportunity to attend author interview sessions on Zoom.
To sign up for the Book Club you will need to send an email to afroindigenousbookclub@gmail.com
Once you’re signed up someone will send you a consent form if you are under 18, and the Zoom link to attend.
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
Complete a self-assessment online or call 811 for assessment if in the past 48 hours you have had, or you are currently experiencing fever (i.e. chills/sweats) OR cough (new or worsening).
OR
Two or more of the following symptoms (new or worsening):
Sore throat
Runny nose/nasal congestion
Headache
Shortness of breath
You should also call 811 for assessment if you think you've been exposed to COVID-19 or have any other symptoms that concern you.
Other Support
For help or information about domestic violence 24/7, call 1-855-225-0220 (toll-free)
