Phased Reopening Plan Announced

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White woman with short, curly hair stands with arms crossed, smiling, in front of the Dartmouth Ferry.

After a very difficult few weeks across the province and in Dartmouth in particular, it looks like we can see the end of the third wave (though we’re not there yet), and so the Province has announced a phased re-opening plan today.

Phase 1 begins next Wednesday, June 2nd at 8 am and includes:

Informal gathering limit outdoors is a consistent social group of 10, household-only indoors.
Initiate passenger testing at Stanfield International Airport.
Outdoor patios open with 2 metres between tables and a maximum of 10 people (close social bubble) per table. Masks required except when eating and drinking.
Travel permitted between communities in Nova Scotia – except HRM and CBRM.
Public and private schools inside HRM (and surrounding communities) and Sydney and Riverview families of schools will remain in at-home learning for now.
All retail businesses open at 25% with public health measures like distancing and masks.
Outdoor patios open with 2 metres between tables and a maximum of 10 people per table. Masks required except when eating and drinking.
Outdoor faith services can have 10 people or drive-in services (no indoor services).
Weddings and funerals can have 5 people indoors or 10 outdoors, plus officiants (no receptions).
Professional artists, musicians, dancers and actors can rehearse with 15 people without distancing or masks indoors. Amateurs can rehearse in groups of 10 people without distancing or masks outdoors. No in-person performances.
Sports practices can have groups of 10 people without distancing or masks outdoors (no games).
Gyms, fitness, and sport and recreation facilities can have outdoor programs with groups of 10 people and one-on-one personal training indoors.
Personal services open by appointment only (no services that require a client’s mask to be off).
Open provincial park campgrounds.
Private campgrounds can operate following sector plan (distance between campsites)
Family visits outdoors with fully vaccinated long-term care residents.

You can view the full five-phase plan at novascotia.ca/coronavirus/reopening-plan.

Vaccine Updates
Vaccine uptake is strong in Nova Scotia and Public Health's efforts to set up a streamlined administration system are paying off. We are ahead of schedule and second doses will likely be offered earlier than initially expected so keep your eyes peeled on your email inbox for an invitation to reschedule. If you need to update your email address, call 1-833-797-7772.

Vaccines are now available to those aged 12-years-old and up. Getting to this point feels like a real milestone. About 53% of eligible Nova Scotians have had their shot and now that the majority of folks are able, it's only a matter of time before we meet the 85% threshold recommended by Dr. Strang.

If you haven't already, book your vaccine online at novascotia.ca/vaccination or by phone at 1-833-797-7772.

Those who received the AstraZeneca vaccine, including myself, are still waiting to hear what our second dose will look like. NACI guidance on mixing first and second doses is expected at the beginning of June so hopefully we will hear an announcement shortly after this guidance.

Testing
Public Health is asking everyone to continue to get tested regularly. You do not develop an initial immune response until two weeks after your first vaccine, and full immunity does not kick in until two weeks after your second dose. We still have community spread, and we are still at risk of being carriers and the earlier we catch a case, the better it is for everyone. Book a test or drop in for a rapid test weekly: nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting.

Business
After great advocacy by businesses and patrons, restaurants are finally able to serve to-go cocktails. This, combined with the new phases reopening plan will hopefully help our local businesses to survive this pandemic, but the road to recovery will be challenging. If you're able, please support local.

Schools
The biggest surprise today is the announcement of a return to in person learning outside of HRM and two families of Sydney schools next Wednesday. Additionally, students with complex learning needs will return to the classroom in small cohorts within HRM and CBRM. The Premier said that Dr. Strang would re-evaluate in person learning for HRM next week.

It’s a lot to take in. Feel free to reach out if you have questions, and as always please continue to follow guidelines and be kind to one another.

Kind regards,

Claudia

Community

Clean Foundation, on behalf of the Department of Environment and Climate Change, is asking Nova Scotians to share their thoughts on what should be included in the new Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth and goals under the NS Sustainable Development Goals Act. Learn more and have your say at cleanfuture.ca.

Mental Health Resources

Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team
902-429-8167 or 1-888-429-8167 (toll-free)
Crisis support for children, youth and adults experiencing a mental health crisis by phone 24/7 anywhere in Nova Scotia and a Mobile Response from 1 pm to 1 am to most communities in HRM.

Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text CONNECT to 686868
Kids Help Phone is always there for you. No matter what you want to talk about, we’re here to listen. No judgment, totally private, 24/7. Live Chat is open daily from 8 pm to 1 am AT. They will be accepting new chats until 12:15 am AT only, in order to help ensure that all conversations are responded to by 1 am.

NSHA & IWK Mental Health and Addictions Intake Line
1-855-922-1122
For help with a mental health or addiction concern, the Nova Scotia Mental Health and Addictions team is available to take your call Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.

Morneau Shepell
1-844-751-2133
24/7 national crisis support line that is available to anyone in need of emotional support. By calling the crisis line, individuals will receive crisis counselling support and/or referral to community resources. This resource is available to anyone and everyone, client or not.

Eskasoni Mental Health Services (Indigenous Nova Scotians only)
902-379-2099 or 1-855-379-2099 (toll-free) or Facebook: @EskasoniCrisisWorker
Culturally appropriate, community-based, and community-led mental health and addiction services available 24/7 by phone or via Facebook. Crisis intervention and referral services, central intake, ASIST/Safe Talk/Mental Health First Aid.

Pause: Mental Health Walk-In Clinic (ANS only)
1-800-598-5270 (toll-free)
A mental health drop-in program where community members can access a 45 minutes counselling session on a first-come-first-served basis. Currently only operating via telephone due to restrictions around COVID-19. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5 pm – 8 pm. Call at any time, leave your name and a call back number and the coordinator will reach out to you with an appointment time. You do not need a health card or a mental health diagnosis. You do not need to be a patient of the NECHC.

Association of Black Social Workers (ANS only)
1-855-732-1253 (toll-free) or email nsabswcovid19@gmail.com
Providing support to members of the African Nova Scotian community by phone and email Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. For after-hours calls, please allow up to 12 hours for a callback.

Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line is available for adults who are going through a difficult time and need someone to text with. This service is free and available 24/7. Special support is available for frontline workers.
Text NSSTRONG to 741741
Frontline workers: text FRONTLINE to 741741

Good2Talk Nova Scotia
Good2Talk Nova Scotia provides support for university and college students.

Call toll-free: 1-833-292-3698 or text GOOD2TALKNS to 686868

Healthy Minds Cooperative
902 404-3504 ext. 201
The HMC patient navigator, Brad, can help connect you with the appropriate support services within your community. Services in the community: support groups, programs and workshops, referral services, self-advocacy, web-based resources

COVID-19 Information

- Book a vaccine
- Check exposure notifications
- Provincial
- Federal
- Toll-free info line: 1-833-784-4397

How and Where to get a COVID-19 Test

Primary Testing Sites. For symptomatic and asymptomatic testing. Book online or call 811. Dartmouth locations are Burnside/Dartmouth Crossing, by the Dartmouth General Hospital, and the Zatazman Sportsplex.

Public Health Mobile Units. Pre-book your appointment at the mobile unit online, call 811. Click here for mobile unit locations.

Pop-Up Rapid Testing. Asymptomatic testing. No appointment is necessary. This option is for you if you are over 16 and have no symptoms or exposures.
Click here for rapid testing locations.

Domestic Violence

For help or information about domestic violence 24/7, call 1-855-225-0220 (toll-free)

Further Resources

2-1-1 is a 24/7 connection to programs and services in Nova Scotia. Call 211 or visit online.

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Claudia Chender MLAMay 29, 2021