COVID-19 | Coronavirus Disease

Colleagues,

Yesterday, the Province announced that Nova Scotia will remove all remaining COVID-19 restrictions in the community effective Wednesday, July 6.

In alignment with public health guidelines and recommendations, please be advised of the following:

• To ensure a safe, healthy workplace, employees must continue to notify their manager/supervisor if they test positive for COVID-19.
• Employees who test positive must remain out of the workplace for at least 5 days from the onset of symptoms or positive test (if no symptoms). Once they have returned to work, they are asked to wear a mask for an additional 5 days if symptoms remain. Please refer to the latest COVID-19 Notification Process for details.
• Wearing a mask is optional, but continues to be recommended. Employees may not request colleagues or residents wear a mask.

A reminder that if you are feeling unwell, stay at home, monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and follow the latest public health recommendations.

I ask that you please continue to be respectful to those around you, recognizing that some of your colleagues will be more cautious than others as we adjust to this direction from public health. Please remember that support services are always available through our Employee and Family Assistance Programs.

Thank you for your continued dedication to a safe and healthy workplace. As always, please connect with your manager/supervisor if you have any questions or concerns.

Wela’lioq, amitiés, kind regards,

Jacques

To streamline your access to information related to COVID-19, below is a list of important links.

Public health information: Public Health Agency of Canada and Nova Scotia Health and Wellness

Employee updates: hrmmatters.ca/coronavirus

Municipal service adjustments: halifax.ca/coronavirus

hfxALERT, the municipality’s mass notification system: halifax.ca/hfxalert

Human Resources: MyHR@halifax.ca or 902.490.6145

Homewood Health’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): 902.466.3327 or 1.800.663.1142

Halifax Regional Police Association EFAP: 902.430.8295 or 902.430.8296

International Association of Fire Fighters FFAP: 902.483.6068

Colleagues,

Although the easing of restrictions signaled the beginning of a return to normalcy, I understand that increasing case counts can also evoke feelings of increased stress or anxiety. Please remember that support services are always available through our Employee and Family Assistance Programs.

With COVID-19 cases rising, we all must remain vigilant, kind and respectful. We know that some of our colleagues are feeling more cautious than others. The following safety practices will help keep us all protected:

• Continued mask wearing is strongly recommended, particularly in public or common areas.
• If you are feeling unwell, stay at home and monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and respect self-isolation and testing requirements.
• Please consider if in-person meetings are necessary. Virtual meetings should be utilized whenever possible.
• Maintain healthy habits and practice proper hygiene.
• Employees are encouraged to get vaccinated to reduce the likelihood of severe illness and reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
• Plexi-glass and other types of barriers remain in place, and regular cleaning of high traffic areas and shared workspaces continues.
• The municipality’s COVID-19 Positive Test Process has been updated. Please review and ensure all contact tracing and workplace safety measures are followed.

Workplace flexibility continues to be encouraged. Employees who are able to do so, can participate in the municipality’s FlexWork Halifax program. Program participation helps limit the number of employees onsite while maintaining valued service delivery. Please speak with your manager if you have questions about the program or contact Human Resources at MyHR@halifax.ca or 902.490.6145.

The health and safety of our employees remains a top priority. As always, please connect with your manager/supervisor if you have any questions.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping yourself and others safe.

Wela’lioq, amitiés, kind regards,

Jacques

To streamline your access to information related to COVID-19, below is a list of important links.

Public health information: Public Health Agency of Canada and Nova Scotia Health and Wellness

Employee updates: hrmmatters.ca/coronavirus

Municipal service adjustments: halifax.ca/coronavirus

hfxALERT, the municipality’s mass notification system: halifax.ca/hfxalert

Human Resources: MyHR@halifax.ca or 902.490.6145

Homewood Health’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): 902.466.3327 or 1.800.663.1142

Halifax Regional Police Association EFAP: 902.430.8295 or 902.430.8296

International Association of Fire Fighters FFAP: 902.483.6068

Colleagues,

In advance of our full return to the workplace on March 21, the health and safety of employees remains a top priority.

Phase 3 of the provincial reopening plan takes effect March 21. During this phase, gathering limits, physical distancing and mask restrictions are lifted. With that, I want to take this opportunity to share some reminders and updates to municipal policies, programs and procedures:

• Effective March 21, the municipality’s Mandatory Mask Policy will be rescinded, however, wearing a mask indoors and while using Halifax Transit services is recommended.
• Wearing a mask is an optional, and individual choice. Employees may not request staff or residents to wear a mask. Please remain kind and respectful as we navigate this time of transition.
• It’s important that we continue to maintain healthy habits and practice proper hygiene. Signage to support this will continue to be displayed across the organization.
• Plexi-glass and other types of barriers that were installed during the pandemic will remain in place, and regular cleaning of high traffic areas and shared workspaces will continue.
• If you are feeling unwell, stay at home and monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and respect self-isolation and testing requirements.
• Employees are encouraged to get vaccinated to reduce the likelihood of severe illness and reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
• For FlexWork Program participants, we have increased the number of days you can request to work remotely, from two days per week to three days per week. Please visit intranet.halifax.ca/FlexWork for more information.
  
  

Although the easing of restrictions signals the beginning of a return to normalcy, I understand that it can also evoke feelings of increased stress or anxiety. Please remember that support services are always available through our Employee and Family Assistance Programs.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping yourself and others safe. I look forward to seeing more of you in-person in the coming days and weeks.

Wela’lioq, amitiés, kind regards,

Jacques

To streamline your access to information related to COVID-19, below is a list of important links.

Public health information: Public Health Agency of Canada and Nova Scotia Health and Wellness
Employee updates: hrmmatters.ca/coronavirus
Municipal service adjustments: halifax.ca/coronavirus
hfxALERT, the municipality’s mass notification system: halifax.ca/hfxalert
Human Resources: MyHR@halifax.ca or 902.490.6145
Homewood Health’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): 902.466.3327 or 1.800.663.1142
Halifax Regional Police Association EFAP: 902.430.8295 or 902.430.8296
International Association of Fire Fighters FFAP: 902.483.6068

Colleagues,

In alignment with the Province’s recent updates to the reopening plan and easing public health restrictions, we will be making some changes in our workplace:

Proof of vaccination

Effective February 28, the municipality’s Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policies which apply to municipal employees, students, volunteers, work placement and suppliers, will be rescinded.

Individuals who were non-compliant with the Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy will be expected to return to work on February 28. Managers will reach out to those employees to make appropriate arrangements as soon as possible.

Return to the workplace

We are still working toward a full return to the workplace that coincides with the province’s phase 3 plan, which is now anticipated to occur on March 21. Further details on our plans with respect to return to the workplace will be shared next week.

As we embark on this new phase of living with COVID-19, I want to stress how important it is to go easy on yourself and others while we adjust to these new and fast-approaching changes.

Support services are always available through our Employee Family Assistance Program. Please don’t hesitate to reach out Human Resources or your manager/supervisor if you have any concerns or questions.

Regional Council Meetings

The next in-person Regional Council meeting will be planned for March 22, the day after the Province lifts restrictions.

Thank you for your continued commitment to safely delivering municipal services.

Wela’lioq, amitiés, kind regards,

Jacques

To streamline your access to information related to COVID-19, below is a list of important links.

Public health information: Public Health Agency of Canada and Nova Scotia Health and Wellness
Employee updates: hrmmatters.ca/coronavirus
Municipal service adjustments: halifax.ca/coronavirus
hfxALERT, the municipality’s mass notification system: halifax.ca/hfxalert
Human Resources: MyHR@halifax.ca or 902.490.6145
Homewood Health’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): 902.466.3327 or 1.800.663.1142
Halifax Regional Police Association EFAP: 902.430.8295 or 902.430.8296
International Association of Fire Fighters FFAP: 902.483.6068

JACQUES DUBÉ

HE/HIM

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

DIRECTEUR GÉNÉRAL

T. 902.490.4015
C. 902.292.0642

HΛLIFΛX

_______________

The Halifax Regional Municipality is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and traditional lands of the Mi’kmaq people. The municipality acknowledges the Peace and Friendship Treaties signed in this Territory and recognizes that we are all Treaty People.

This communication may contain privileged or confidential information and is intended for the addressee(s) only. Any copying, distribution, or other use or disclosure of the information in this communication by person(s) other than the addressee is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender and delete or destroy all copies of this communication, including from your deleted items folder.

Colleagues,

In alignment with the provincial plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions over three phases, I want to provide an update on the municipality’s plan to gradually return to the workplace.

• Effective Monday, February 14, employees who wish to return to the workplace can do so with their supervisor/manager’s approval.
• We will aim for a full return to the workplace that coincides with the province’s phase 3 plan, which is anticipated to occur in mid-April.

As outlined in the provincial news release, each phase is expected to last about one month. Moving to the next phase will depend on epidemiology, hospitalizations, case activity in long-term care facilities and employee absenteeism.

It is important that we continue to follow public health guidelines and restrictions at each phase of the reopening plan.

As always, if you have any questions please speak with your manager or contact MyHR@halifax.ca for centralized access to employee services.

Thank you for your continued commitment to safely delivering municipal services.

Wela’lioq, amitiés, kind regards,

Jacques

To streamline your access to information related to COVID-19, below is a list of important links.

Public health information: Public Health Agency of Canada and Nova Scotia Health and Wellness Employee updates: hrmmatters.ca/coronavirus
Municipal service adjustments: halifax.ca/coronavirus
hfxALERT, the municipality’s mass notification system: halifax.ca/hfxalert
Human Resources: MyHR@halifax.ca or 902.490.6145
Homewood Health’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): 902.466.3327 or 1.800.663.1142
Halifax Regional Police Association EFAP: 902.430.8295 or 902.430.8296
International Association of Fire Fighters FFAP: 902.483.6068

Colleagues,

I want to first acknowledge the work and personal demands we are all facing that are testing our resiliency. I know it takes tremendous effort to deliver municipal services while preparing budgets on my behalf for Regional Council, especially during COVID-19. Plus, many of you are experiencing the stress and strain of needing to isolate while anxiously awaiting a test result or because of a positive test. I know how difficult it is to persevere through these exceptionally challenging times and that the pandemic affects everyone differently.

As tempting as may be to let down our guard, we must not become complacent as we face what is hopefully the peak of the current Omicron variant. As per my December 16 email, all those who can work from home should do so until otherwise directed given the high number of positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

Let’s continue to keep each other and our communities safe by following public health guidelines to curb the spread of this disease. I am ever hopeful and look forward to brighter days ahead.

As always, employees can email MyHR@halifax.ca or phone 902.490.6145 for centralized access to employee services.

Wela’lioq, amitiés, kind regards,

Jacques

To streamline your access to information related to COVID-19, below is a list of important links.

Public health information: Public Health Agency of Canada and Nova Scotia Health and Wellness
Employee updates: hrmmatters.ca/coronavirus
Municipal service adjustments: halifax.ca/coronavirus
hfxALERT, the municipality’s mass notification system: halifax.ca/hfxalert
Human Resources: MyHR@halifax.ca or 902.490.6145
Homewood Health’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): 902.466.3327 or 1.800.663.1142
Halifax Regional Police Association EFAP: 902.430.8295 or 902.430.8296
International Association of Fire Fighters FFAP: 902.483.6068

Colleagues,

I hope the holidays allowed you some time to rest, reflect and reconnect with what matters most to you. As we settle into a new year, let’s embrace fresh beginnings and opportunities to build upon our collective progress from 2021.

I understand the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the spread of the Omicron variant has added pressures to both our professional and personal lives, and that continually shifting the way we work and live only compounds feelings of pandemic fatigue. As we follow public health guidelines to keep each other and our communities safe, let’s remember to be kind to ourselves and supportive of others.

In response to the province’s new self-isolation requirements, the municipality has updated its COVID-19 Notification Process. The updated process provides more information and step-by-step guidelines that you will need to follow if you test positive for COVID-19 or are deemed a close contact. If you have questions, please contact your supervisor/manager.

As per my December 16 email, all those who can work from home should continue to do so until otherwise directed. As always, we will keep doing our part to help curb the spread of this disease and to ensure your safety.

The new year is certainly coming “in like a lion” with the first winter weather system of 2022 expected to move into the region today. Visit halifax.ca/snow for the latest service updates, and a special thank you to staff who are actively preparing for and responding to the storm.

Wela’lioq, amitiés, kind regards,

Jacques

To streamline your access to information related to COVID-19, below is a list of important links.

Public health information: Public Health Agency of Canada and Nova Scotia Health and Wellness Employee updates: hrmmatters.ca/coronavirus
Municipal service adjustments: halifax.ca/coronavirus
hfxALERT, the municipality’s mass notification system: halifax.ca/hfxalert
Human Resources: MyHR@halifax.ca or 902.490.6145
Homewood Health’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): 902.466.3327 or 1.800.663.1142
Halifax Regional Police Association EFAP: 902.430.8295 or 902.430.8296
International Association of Fire Fighters FFAP: 902.483.6068

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Colleagues,

As of Friday, December 17, all those who can work from home should do so until otherwise directed. As always, we will do our part to help curb the spread of this disease and to ensure your safety.

All services designated essential by the Province under the current state of emergency are operational and adhering to the most updated guidance and precautions from health officials. My sincere thanks to those who continue to provide the necessary services our colleagues and residents rely on.

Please speak with your supervisor/manager if you have any questions.

Wela’loiq, amitiés, kind regards,

Jacques

Jacques Dubé
Chief Administrative Officer
Directeur Général

Colleagues,

Further to the recent provincial announcement regarding the return of certain public health restrictions, we are reinstating guidelines for municipal workplaces beginning Friday, December 17, 2021. These include:

In-person meetings

• In-person meetings/training can occur when operationally necessary, following posted room occupancy levels. Holiday or other social gatherings are not encouraged.
• Meeting room limits will be set at 50 per cent capacity to a maximum of 150 people indoors.

Physical distancing

• Maintain physical distancing of two metres (six feet).
• Wear a mask if you can’t physically distance.
• Follow updated gathering limits.

Masks

• Our COVID-19 Mandatory Masks Policy has been updated to reflect the latest direction from public health.

These changes are to help protect each other and our community, especially now that the Omicron variant has reached our province. In the words of Dr. Strang, there is no need to panic, but there is a need to be cautious. Please continue to follow all public health guidelines and recommendations, including:

• Stay informed of potential COVID-19 exposure locations and follow public health instructions.
• Respect self-isolation and testing requirements, including staying at home if feeling unwell.
• Practice proper hygiene.
• All employees who receive a positive test result for COVID-19, who have been in a municipal facility in the previous 14 days, are reminded to advise their manager/ supervisor immediately to help us keep your colleagues safe while maintaining your privacy.

Today, the Province announced that schools will close for the holidays on December 17 and re-open January 6. I encourage you to work with your manager/supervisor to make appropriate arrangements and for all to be flexible where possible.

I know this news comes at a difficult time as we approach the holiday season. Please be kind and patient with one another. We must remain diligent in our fight against COVID-19, and remember that by doing so, we are protecting those most vulnerable in our communities.

The ongoing impacts of the pandemic continue to challenge all of us. If you or a direct family member need additional support, you can reach out to your respective Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And, as always, employees can email MyHR@halifax.ca or phone 902.490.6145 for centralized access to employee services.

In closing, I’d like to take a moment to thank everyone for their support with the Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. As you know, today December 15, marks the deadline for full vaccination. Currently, 97 per cent of employees have reported that they are fully vaccinated. Your dedication to a safe, healthy workplace is greatly appreciated and so important, now more than ever.

Wela’lioq, amitiés, kind regards,

Jacques

To streamline your access to information related to COVID-19, below is a list of important links.

Public health information: Public Health Agency of Canada and Nova Scotia Health and Wellness

Employee updates: hrmmatters.ca/coronavirus

Municipal service adjustments: halifax.ca/coronavirus

hfxALERT, the municipality’s mass notification system: halifax.ca/hfxalert

Human Resources: MyHR@halifax.ca or 902.490.6145

Homewood Health’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): 902.466.3327 or 1.800.663.1142

Halifax Regional Police Association EFAP: 902.430.8295 or 902.430.8296

International Association of Fire Fighters FFAP: 902.483.6068

Colleagues,

As we near the end of the month, I’d like to remind you that you have until this Friday, December 3 to verify your vaccination status. This includes either providing your proof of full vaccination, or confirming you are on track to be fully vaccinated by January 12, 2022 (first dose received on or before November 3).

Please speak with your manager/supervisor as soon as possible if you have any questions or concerns.

I know it hasn’t been easy to adjust to working and living with COVID-19. I’d like to thank you for your ongoing diligence and adherence to the Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. We are in the final stretch of this process. I am grateful to everyone involved in supporting this significant effort, including those of you who have already provided your proof of vaccination.

While we’re not out of the woods yet, we are getting closer each day. As of November 26, we were at 82% vaccinated overall. Your support does make a difference and together we are strengthening our community’s line of defense against COVID-19.

Wela’lioq, amitiés, kind regards,

Jacques

To streamline your access to information related to COVID-19, below is a list of important links.

Public health information: Public Health Agency of Canada and Nova Scotia Health and Wellness

Employee updates: hrmmatters.ca/coronavirus

Municipal service adjustments: halifax.ca/coronavirus

hfxALERT, the municipality’s mass notification system: halifax.ca/hfxalert

Human Resources: MyHR@halifax.ca or 902.490.6145

Homewood Health’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): 902.466.3327 or 1.800.663.1142

Halifax Regional Police Association EFAP: 902.430.8295 or 902.430.8296

International Association of Fire Fighters FFAP: 902.483.6068