This update was posted in the afternoon of April 24, 2020. The situation is changing by the hour. Please check the Canada, Nova Scotia and Halifax websites for the most up to date information.

You can also check out my COVID-19 resources, with information on current Government Response, Individuals & Families, Business as well as Links to Resources including key social media to follow.

Online vigil

A vigil, Nova Scotia Remembers, is being held tonight at 7:00 pm to honour those we lost. Visit http://heartcolchester.ca to participate virtually.

Condolences can be made by visiting http://novascotia.ca/condolences

Reach out, there is help

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, there is help available to you:

If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.

If you need help or information, you can call Bryony House’s distress line at 902-422-7650.

To connect with community resources in Halifax, call 211 or visit their website.

Young people up to age 20 can contact The Kids Help Phone 24/7 to speak with a trained counsellor – Call toll-free: 1-800-668-6868. Live chat: https://kidshelpphone.ca

Nova Scotians mental health crisis line is available 24/7 Call 1-800-429-8167 (toll free) or 902-429-8167 for support

In addition, First Responders Assist, a new service for first responders and their families impacted by the tragedies of April 18 and 19 can be accessed by calling toll-free 1- 888-429-8167.

Police identification

Halifax regional police have reinforced with their members the importance of self identification while approaching citizens. Citizens can also request proper identification. In addition to the officer presenting their ID card and badge citizens can also call 902-490-5020 to confirm identification of a police officer.

Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance

The Federal government introduced the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program for small businesses that will seek to provide loans and/or forgivable loans to commercial property owners who in turn will lower or forgo the rent of small businesses for the months of April (retroactive), May, and June.

PM Trudeau stated that all provinces and territories are on board and that the small business under a certain financial threshold per month would receive 75% off, 50% paid for by the Federal government, 20% the landlord. Press release here.

More details will be available soon at https://canada.ca/coronavirus and

Dispensing Fees for Pharmacare clients

The Government of Nova Scotia will now pay extra dispensing fees for Pharmacare clients for refills on prescriptions that would usually be filled for longer periods. For example, the Government of Nova Scotia will cover the second and third refill dispensing fees for prescriptions typically dispensed for 90 days. More info at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus

2020 Volunteer Award recipients announced

Congrats to all the recipients, but a special shout out to these folks from District 7!

Bob Goodall

Brian L. Maloney

Ann Marie Tompkins

Yolana Wassersug

More info: https://www.halifax.ca/home/news/2020-volunteer-award-recipients-announced

Road and Bike lane construction

Residents should note that road construction on Tower Road (South to Inglis) will begin Monday, April 27 and continue until the end of June. Crews will be onsite from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.

Additionally Halifax is advising that road construction related to installation of protected bike lanes on the west side of Hollis Street from Civic 1898 to Terminal Road will begin Monday, April 27 and continue until the middle of June. Crews will be onsite from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.

Motorists should expect delays in the area and are asked to take alternative routes whenever possible.

Your patience is appreciated while this work is completed.