This update was posted in the evening of April 22, 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.

The last few days have been some of the most difficult I have ever experienced. It is ok to cry, to be sad, to be angry, to be barely able to function. This terrible tragedy coming on top of the stress of COVID-19 is a lot for anyone. If you need help reach out:

The Nova Scotia Crisis Line: 1-888-429-8167

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868

Morneau Shepell has also opened its 24/7 bilingual crisis support line: 1-844-751-2133

As we have just passed the midway mark of April some landlords have provided residential tenants who were unable to pay this month with a Notice to Quit (Form D).

This does not mean a tenant is being evicted, no matter what the paper received from the property owner might say. It is however a way for a property owner to make an official record that they have not been paid. More info here: https://wayemason.ca/…/coronavirus-update-10-april-3-2020…/…

Testing has been widened considerably over the last week or so:

Do you have a fever greater than 38° Celsius (or signs of a fever – chills, sweats, muscle aches, lightheadedness)?

Do you have a new cough or a cough that is getting worse?

Do you have a sore throat?

Do you have a runny nose?

Do you have a headache?

If you answer yes to two or more of these symptoms, please call 811 for further assessment by a nurse.

I’m sharing below a heartfelt message from Dr Watson-Creed, the Deputy Medical Officer of Health in the province. I’ve gotten to know Dr Watson-Creed really well the last seven years, as we have served on a committee together. We need to pull together, all of us everywhere, and make sure people who may have symptoms get tested.

Given the current situation with COVID-19, at this time all municipal summer programs are cancelled. If public health restrictions are lifted early enough that some programming can be provided, updates will be shared as soon they are available.

Several municipal recreation facilities are operated by community groups and not by municipal staff. All are currently closed and programming suspended. As restrictions are lifted these facilities will provide information on their programming. More info here: https://halifax.ca/coronavirus

Small Business Impact Grant Deadline

The deadline to apply for the provincial Small Business Impact Grant is this Saturday, April 25. The program is available for small businesses, non-profits, and social enterprises directly ordered to close or significantly reduce their operations under the COVID-19 Public Health order. The grant is equal to 15% of sales revenue from either April 2019 or February 2020 (your choice), up to a maximum of $5,000 per business. More information on the program and eligibility is available at https://covid19-small-business-impact-grant.nscrc.ca/

New For Students

Government of Canada announced it is launching the Canada Emergency Student Benefit — $1250/month from May to August to help students through this difficult time. [$1750 for students with children or students with disabilities]. Details coming soon.

Register your child for school (HRCE)

Looking to register your child for school? Families can register their child (Pre-Primary to Grade 12) while buildings are closed due to COVID-19. Here’s how: http://hrce.ca/registration Need assistance? Reach out! registration@hrce.ca 902-464-2000