**** HRM Media Release
Response to COVID-19: Municipal service updates
Wednesday, March 25, 2020 (Halifax, NS) – The Halifax Regional Municipality continues to monitor and respond to the rapidly evolving effects of COVID-19.
The municipality is committed to taking important steps in reducing the spread of COVID-19.
There are no reductions in public safety service levels. All essential services of the municipality – including 311, fire and police – are operational and adhering to the most updated guidance and precautions from health officials.
The following is an update on municipal services:
Planning & Development
Online Permits and Applications
- An online form has been created for all permit and sub-division application intakes.
- Applications for Rezoning, Municipal Plan Amendments, Development Agreements, or Downtown Halifax Site Plan Approvals can be submitted via email to Carl Purvis – Planning Applications Program Manager purvisc@halifax.ca.
- Revised drawings and/or any amended application information for current files can also be submitted via email, directly to the planner assigned to your file.
Halifax Transit
- The 5-person social gathering limit and two metre social distancing limit does not apply to Halifax Transit as stated in the provincial order.
- Buses and ferries will continue to operate on a reduced schedule.
- Halifax Transit has taken steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 including an increased frequency of wipe-downs of high-touch surfaces, making the first seat unavailable to riders on buses (this does not impact accessible seating), limiting passengers on buses to seated passengers only, and limiting the number of ferry passengers to 50 per trip.
- Riders must continue to board and exit through the rear doors only and are asked to only use transit services if necessary.
- Riders should continue to social distance as much as possible and should not use transit if they are feeling unwell.
For more information on municipal services during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit Halifax.ca/coronavirus.
**** COVID-19/HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Seventeen New Cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia
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Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health, will provide an update today, March 25, at 3 p.m.
This update will be livestreamed on http://novascotia.ca/stayinformed/webcast .
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As of today, March 25, Nova Scotia has 68 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Seventeen new cases were identified Tuesday, March 24. The cases are travel-related or connected to earlier reported cases. Several of the new cases are connected to groups or families who have returned to Nova Scotia following travel outside of Canada. None of these cases are from spread within the community.
The 68 individuals affected range in age from under ten to mid-70’s. Cases have been identified in all parts of the province. One individual remains in hospital. Two individuals have recovered and their cases of COVID-19 are considered resolved.
Public health has been in contact with these individuals and is working to identify others who may have come in close contact with them. Those individuals are also being directed to self-isolate at home, away from the public, for 14 days.
To date, Nova Scotia has 2,772 negative test results and 68 confirmed cases.
Anyone who has travelled outside of Nova Scotia must self-isolate for 14 days. If you have travelled outside of Nova Scotia or been in close contact with someone who has travelled and are experiencing fever or new cough you should complete the online questionnaire before calling 811. The online questionnaire can be found at: http://811.novascotia.ca/
Nova Scotians can find accurate, up-to-date information, handwashing posters and fact sheets at http://novascotia.ca/coronavirus .
Today’s update will be livestreamed at 3 p.m. on http://novascotia.ca/stayinformed/webcast , @nsgov Facebook and YouTube channels.
Quick Facts:
— testing numbers are updated daily at http://novascotia.ca/coronavirus
— Nova Scotia’s Health Protection Act gives the chief medical officer of health the authority to give advice to protect public health and decrease risk to public health presented by communicable diseases such as COVID-19
— a state of emergency was declared under the Emergency Management Act on March 22 and remains in effect until noon, April 5
— under the state of emergency government can control or prohibit assembly as well as travel to and from areas. It can also coordinate commerce activity and emergency responders
— A new virus like COVID-19 can cause fear. Nova Scotians are encouraged to support each other and use technology to stay connected
Additional Resources:
Government of Canada: http://canada.ca/coronavirus
Government of Canada toll-free information line 1-833-784-4397
The Mental Health Provincial Crisis Line is available 24/7 to anyone experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, or someone concerned about them, by calling 1-888-429-8167 (toll free).
Kids Help Phone is available 24/7, by calling 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free).
Thank you for helping with the community effort to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
