COVID-19 | Coronavirus Disease

Colleagues,

In light of recent announcements by the Province regarding public health restrictions, with schools being closed effective today until at least May 7, let’s remember to be kind and flexible when working with our colleagues during this time. As such, we are postponing our planned return to work and will reassess our timeline at the end of June.

The impacts of the pandemic continue to challenge us all. 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 for assistance. And, as always, employees can email MyHR@halifax.ca or phone 902.490.6145 for centralized access to employee services.

I also want to remind staff that we all have a responsibility to stay informed and follow the direction from Public Health including vaccination and symptomatic and asymptomatic testing.

The following are some important directives:

• At least once per day, check the potential COVID-19 exposure locations notifications online.
• All employees who receive a positive test result for COVID-19 that have been in an HRM facility in the previous 14 days are reminded to advise their supervisor immediately in order to help us keep your colleagues safe while maintaining your privacy.
• Once you have notified your supervisor or if Public Health directly notifies us of a potential exposure in our workplace, staff in the associated locations will be notified about the exposure by a member of the senior leadership team.

If you have any questions, please speak with your manager/supervisor.

Stay safe and take care of yourselves, your family and colleagues.

Kind regards, amitiés, wela’lioq,

Jacques

Recognizing that the duration of this situation is unknown, and to streamline your access to information, 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,

Due to increasing COVID-19 case counts, the provincial government has ordered new restrictions effective Friday, April 23 at 8:00 a.m. Additional details will be shared at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/alerts-notices/#news shortly.

As of Friday, April 23, 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. Once these new restrictions are eased we will continue with our gradual return to work. More information about how these latest restrictions impact municipal services will be communicated once available.

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.

If you have any questions or concerns about your work arrangements, please contact your supervisor.

These are difficult times for all and I am inspired by our collective resilience while maintaining service excellence.

Remember, our Employee and Family Assistance Program is available to those who may need to access services and resources. Employees can also contact Human Resources at MyHR@halifax.ca or 902.490.6145 for centralized access to employee services.

Be well and stay safe.

Kind regards, amitiés, wela’lioq,

Jacques

Recognizing that the duration of this situation is unknown, and to streamline your access to information, below is list of important links.

Employee updates: hrmmatters.ca/coronavirus

Municipal service adjustments: halifax.ca/coronavirus

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

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

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

The health and safety of ourselves, our colleagues and the communities we serve is a shared responsibility. Below are reminders to support these efforts:

COVID-19 RESOURCES

• Read the latest COVID-19 Employee FAQs.
• See Human Resources’ COVID-19 Resources for Employees & Leaders
• Read a list of COVID-19 resources and support programs specific to the Central Zone, developed by Nova Scotia Health & Wellness.
• Access your Employee and Family Assistance Program.
• Human Resources: MyHR@halifax.ca or 902.490.6145
• Additional public health information: Public Health Agency of Canada and Nova Scotia Health and Wellness.

For more information about your worksite’s COVID-19 prevention methods, please refer to the Safety Plan found in the Hazard Alerts & Orders section of your Health & Safety Communication Board, or, contact your manager/supervisor.

POTENTIAL EXPOSURE LOCATIONS, SYMPTOMS, TESTING INFORMATION AND IMMUNIZATION

• Stay informed of potential COVID-19 exposure locations, the latest list of symptoms, how to self-isolate and what to do if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19.
• Make COVID-19 testing a part of your regular routine. Getting tested is important if you have no symptoms, a few symptoms or even just one. See the latest testing information.
• Learn more about Nova Scotia's immunization plan and vaccine rollout.
• Download COVID Alert, Canada's free exposure notification app, now available in Nova Scotia.

MASKS

Masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces:

• Employees must wear a mask in meetings of more than 10 people while still maintaining physical distancing of two-metres. *Virtual meetings must continue to be utilized whenever possible and non-essential in-person training will continue to occur online for the time being
• Worksite reception areas, washrooms and hallways are all deemed public places and employees must wear a mask while in these spaces.
• Visit the Nova Scotia Health & Wellness webpage for more information on masks.
  
  

EMPLOYEE TRAINING

• All employees must complete the COVID-19 required training.

CLEANING GUIDELINES

• Review the Cleaning Guidelines to ensure you understand your role.

SIGNAGE

• Follow the COVID-19 signage that is posted throughout your worksite. This directional, general instruction and public health signage aims to create safe spaces by promoting proper physical distancing, cleaning and hygiene practices.

Colleagues,

On March 6, 2020, I communicated to the organization that no employees will be required to provide medical notes related to short-term sick leave absences. I am writing today to rescind that direction.

Effective immediately, Managers/Supervisors have discretion to request a medical note where appropriate and reasonable. Medical notes will not be requested to confirm a positive COVID-19 result or to confirm an employee’s requirement to self-isolate in accordance with provincial regulations.

The Attendance Support Policy remains suspended, however, all employees continue to have an obligation to work on a regular and consistent basis. Managers and Supervisors will reach out to employees to discuss absenteeism concerns and will also reach out to employees on sick leave to offer support.

These measures will remain in place until further notice.

Thank-you for your collaboration, teamwork and all you do to make a difference for our residents.

Kind regards, amitiés, wela’lioq,

Jacques

Jacques Dubé
Chief Administrative Officer

Colleagues,

Following up on my February message regarding return to work, I am happy to say that things are looking brighter. As the situation around COVID-19 in our province continues to evolve with the encouraging news surrounding Nova Scotia’s enhanced vaccination efforts, we are turning our attention to gradually returning the remainder of our employees to their workplaces.

As of May 17, staff who are working at home should be in the office at least two days/week. As of July 5, staff should be in the office three to four days a week with a view to full return to offices in early September. Your manager will be speaking to you about this gradual return to work in the coming weeks.

As always, your safety, and that of our residents, remains our top priority, and any changes to workplace planning and our return to work approach described herein will be made in strict alignment with public health guidelines.

Public Health is encouraging all Nova Scotians who can, to become vaccinated and HRM supports that direction. That said HRM will not be making the vaccine mandatory as a condition of employment. HRM will continue to follow Public Health guidelines and will educate, encourage and support staff to get vaccinated.

We must remain diligent in our fight against COVID-19. To learn more about Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 immunization plan, visit: novascotia.ca/coronavirus/vaccine/.

I’d also encourage you to read the recently updated COVID-19 Employee FAQ for additional information in regards to vaccinations.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the safe delivery of municipal services.

I wish you all a very happy, safe and relaxing Easter long weekend.

Kind regards, amitiés, wela’lioq,

Jacques

Recognizing that the duration of this situation is unknown, and to streamline your access to information, below is list of important links.

Employee updates: hrmmatters.ca/coronavirus

Municipal service adjustments: halifax.ca/coronavirus

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

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

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 approach the one-year mark since the start of the pandemic, I wanted to provide another update regarding our return to work efforts at the municipality.

Although we are fortunate that the COVID-19 numbers in our region remain low, the situations in our neighbouring provinces, and across the country, have given us reason to pause on making further changes. Your safety, and that of our residents, remains our top priority.

With that, we will continue with our current scheduled, reduced capacity return-to-work model until at least September 2021, unless otherwise directed by public health.

The roll out of vaccines has been slower than hoped, and the introduction of variant COVID-19 strains reminds us that we must remain diligent. Regardless of your work location (onsite, at home, or hybrid) – it’s critical that we work together to follow the health and safety measures in place to help reduce the spread of the virus.

Some important reminders:

• Virtual meetings must continue to be utilized whenever possible and non-essential in-person training will continue to occur online for the time being.
• Masks must be worn in meetings of more than 10 people while still maintaining physical distancing.
• Physical distancing of 2 metres (6 feet) must be adhered to.
• Meetings/training can be held, if necessary, in rooms with up to 50 per cent capacity to a maximum of 100 people.
• Masks are mandatory in public spaces or communal spaces.
• Exemptions still exist for many municipal services including Police, Fire and Transit as outlined in the provincial order.

I know that the pandemic continues to wear on us all. If you have any questions about this update, please reach out to your manager/supervisor to discuss.

Thank you for your commitment to the safe delivery of municipal services.

Kind regards, amitiés, wela’lioq,

Jacques

Employee updates: hrmmatters.ca/coronavirus

Municipal service adjustments: halifax.ca/coronavirus

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

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

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,

Since my January 5 message, Nova Scotia has been experiencing low case numbers of COVID-19. Considering this, beginning January 25, employees who were mandated to work from home, based on my email directive of November 23, 2020, can return to worksites in the same scheduled, reduced capacity manner as was in effect prior to the directive being issued.

This decision aligns with Public Health directives and reflects the varied individual and operational needs. More information on what this means for you will be shared at the Business Unit level over the coming days.

I understand that the continued changes in response to the pandemic are difficult. I want to assure you that the safety and wellbeing of all our employees remains my priority. Whether you have remained onsite throughout the pandemic, will begin returning in a modified capacity, or will continue to work from home – thank you.

It should be noted that virtual meetings must continue to be utilized whenever possible and non-essential in-person training will continue to occur online for the time being.

As a region, we can be proud of how we are handling the second wave. However, we know that with COVID-19, things can change in an instant. We will continue to monitor the situation and adapt our approaches with caution and at the direction of Public Health to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of employees and residents.

Thank you for your ongoing efforts as we continue to navigate these next phases of the pandemic.

Kind regards, amitiés, wela’lioq,

Jacques

Recognizing that the duration of this situation is unknown, and to streamline your access to information, below is list of important links.

Employee updates: hrmmatters.ca/coronavirus

Municipal service adjustments: halifax.ca/coronavirus

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

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

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 understand that there are some questions arising from my message earlier today regarding the provincial changes as they pertain to New Brunswick (NB). The municipality is following Public Health directives as we have since the start of the pandemic. To clarify, below is a direct excerpt from the provincial press release issued today regarding self-isolation:

“However, people who arrived from New Brunswick or had visitors from that province in the past 14 days should get tested immediately and consider a second test five to seven days later. People who were in New Brunswick should self-isolate while waiting for the first test result. People can book a test at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en .”

The Province has stated that you should self-isolate if you have been to NB, not if you have had visitors from NB. Testing is recommended in either scenario.

Thank you for asking for the clarification. Please be safe and well.

Kind regards, amitiés, wela’lioq,

Jacques

Jacques Dubé
Chief Administrative Officer

Good afternoon colleagues,

Today the Province announced that effective January 9 at 8 a.m. anyone travelling into Nova Scotia from New Brunswick will have to self-isolate for 14 days, unless they are exempt from the order.

As outlined by the Province, people who arrived from New Brunswick or had visitors from that province in the past 14 days should get tested immediately and consider a second test five to seven days later. They should self-isolate while waiting for the first test result. People can book a test at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en

Please take a moment to read the full press release.

If you have any questions regarding how this impacts you, please speak with your manager.

Thank you for doing your part to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Kind regards, amitiés, wela’lioq,

Jacques

Recognizing that the duration of this situation is unknown, and to streamline your access to information, below is list of important links.

Employee updates: hrmmatters.ca/coronavirus

Municipal service adjustments: halifax.ca/coronavirus

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

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

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

Hello colleagues,

During these challenging times, we want to ensure you and your families have the support you need, so we are sharing a reminder about the resources and supports Human Resources offers.

For HR inquiries, we’re here Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Contact us directly at MyHR@halifax.ca or 902.490.6145 for centralized access to employee services and we can connect you with the appropriate supports and resources.

Remember, if you or a direct family member are experiencing increased worry or anxiety, you can contact your respective Employee and Family Assistance Program 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Lots of helpful information is available in the recently updated COVID-19 Resources for Employees & Leaders (a PDF file will auto-download to your downloads folder) – from resources on mental and physical health to caregiving during the pandemic.

We’re also continually evolving our virtual training offerings to best serve you.

Human Resources is here for you, so please access our resources and supports, and reach out to us when needed.

Take care,

Caroline

Caroline Blair-Smith
Executive Director, Human Resources