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This week the devastating news out of Ukraine is top of mind for me. I had one grandfather whose parents were from Kyiv and another born in Moscow. Both fled persecution. As we watch history unfold we are called to consider the impact of truly losing fundamental freedoms. I know I join people across the province in hoping for peace as we are reminded in real-time of the price of war.
Each day seems to bring new personal or global challenges. I have made a list of mental health resources on my website. Please take a look if you feel you need to talk to someone.
Restrictions Lifting
The Province announced this week that we will move into Phase 2 of Nova Scotia's reopening plan on Monday, March 7th and that all COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted on March 21st.
The healthcare system is still under a great amount of strain and many immunocompromised folks are still at high risk of getting COVID-19. We are told to stay home if we are sick, but many Nova Scotians have few or no paid sick days available to them. Vaccines, masking, distancing, and testing work. And anyone can now confirm a positive rapid test with a PCR. Please continue to use the tools we have to protect each other.
Beginning March 7th the following restrictions will be in effect:
Gathering Limits
- the informal gathering limit will be 25 people from the same household or close social group indoors and 50 outdoors
- the formal gathering limit will be 75% capacity, with physical distancing as much as possible, for gatherings hosted by a recognized business or organization such as special events, sports, receptions, performances, movie theatres, meetings, training, weddings, funerals and faith gatherings
- large venues can operate at 75% capacity, up to 5,000 people, with physical distancing as much as possible.
Businesses
- licensed establishments, restaurants and casinos can return to regular hours and operate at 75% capacity, with physical distancing as much as possible
- VLTs can continue operating with two metres of physical distance between people at machines
- fitness and recreation facilities and recreation and leisure businesses can operate at 75% capacity, with physical distancing as much as possible
- personal services businesses (like hair salons, barber shops, spas, nail salons and body art establishments) can operate at full capacity, with physical distancing as much as possible; services that require removing masks can be offered
- retail stores and malls can operate at full capacity (shoppers and staff) with physical distancing
Sports, Arts and Culture
- sports teams can have practices, games, competitions and tournaments with up to 60 participants, including players and officials; spectators are allowed, following the formal gathering limit
- performing arts can have rehearsals, performances and competitions with up to 60 participants, including performers and crew; spectators are allowed, following the formal gathering limit
- libraries and museums can operate at full capacity, with physical distancing.
Masks
- masks continue to be required in indoor public places; they can be lowered or removed for things like eating and drinking or doing a physical activity that’s difficult while wearing a mask
- people can resume lowering their masks to eat or drink in their seats at sports games, movies, concerts and other events.
Renovictions
Along with lifting restrictions, the Province will also end the ban on renovictions at the end of March. Maintenance is integral to the longevity of rental units as well as to the dignity of those living in them--sometimes the work does need to get done. Unfortunately, sometimes the work is done in order to evict a current tenant so that the unit can be rented for more money.
With a vacancy rate of 1% and a 3-year waiting list for public housing, there simply are not enough units in the city to support mass evictions. Many of those living on extremely tight budgets may be forced into dangerous living situations or homelessness. We need more non-market housing supply--targeted to those who cannot afford the skyrocketing market rents in HRM. Until we have that, we need to make sure people can stay in their homes.
If you are at risk of losing your home to a renoviction, refer to the resources on the Dalhousie Legal Aid website and reach out to them if you need assistance.
Legislature Recalled
The legislature has been recalled and will resume on March 25th. You can watch on Leg TV and follow up with my work on the floor on my website. Remember also that this is the time when I can officially recognize community members, groups, and teams for their accomplishments and milestones. If you would like to see someone in Dartmouth South recognized, please nominate them!
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