COVID-19 | Coronavirus Disease

Colleagues,

Because of COVID-19, each day we’re faced with new changes and challenges that require us to respond, adapt and make difficult decisions. Like all administrations, we are not immune to the significant financial impacts resulting from this situation.

We continue to look at our human resources to ensure they align with the services we are providing. We’re now dealing with the reality of needing to make staffing adjustments.

With that, we have made the decision to reduce budgeted staffing levels by approximately 1,480 casual, temporary and seasonal employees who normally provide service to the public that is currently not being provided due to the pandemic.

Those impacted were contacted directly. If you fall into this category and have not heard from your manager/supervisor, or a representative from Human Resources by end of day April 17, please contact MyHR@halifax.ca or 902.490.6145.

As with everything COVID-19 related, it is difficult to make predictions about future decisions regarding adjustments to service and staffing levels. We will continue to evaluate the situation and provide additional information as it becomes available.

To those of you who will no longer be working with us in the short-term, I want to extend my appreciation and gratitude for your services. This is not a scenario any of us anticipated and certainly not one any of us desired.

We will get back to providing full-service levels in all business units in the future and I, like the Mayor, every member of Regional Council and our leadership team, hope that future is very soon.

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

Municipal media briefings: Follow @hfxgov on Twitter for details regarding live streaming

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 or 902.237.9087

Colleagues,

I am writing to follow-up on my March 20 email where I last advised you of the status of employees’ pay. I appreciate this is a difficult situation for you and your families and am writing to provide updates as follows:

• Regular full-time employees and regular part-time employees who are currently working, either at home or in the workplace, will continue to be paid as normal until further notice.
  
  
• All casual and temporary employees will continue to be paid based on an average of their pay from the last fiscal year until the pay period ending April 25, with deposit on May 7. These employees will be notified (or may have already been notified) with respect to their employment status after April 25. If you fall into this category and have not heard from your Supervisor/Manager or a representative from Human Resources by end of day April 17, please contact Human Resources at MyHR@halifax.ca or 902.490.6145.

We will continue to evaluate the situation and provide additional information as it becomes available.

With the Easter holiday around the corner, I’d like to extend a special thank-you to all those who continue to provide services over the long-weekend on which our residents rely.

Where we would normally celebrate traditions with friends and family, we’re instead experiencing the new layers of social challenges that come with it.

Although festivities may look different this year, their spirit remains the same. I do hope you take the time to relax and find new ways to connect with loved ones.

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

Municipal media briefings: Follow @hfxgov on Twitter for details regarding live streaming

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 or 902.237.9087

hfxALERT is the mass notification system for the municipality.

Subscribers to hfxALERT, and those who download the app, will receive urgent and non-urgent municipal notifications from Halifax Regional Police, Halifax Fire & Emergency’s Emergency Management Division, including the municipality's response to COVID-19.

Sign-up and choose how you wish to receive notices—through an automated phone call, text message, location-based push notification (if you have downloaded the mobile application) or email.

All urgent alerts are mandatory; however, you can opt-in/out for other notifications when you create your account.

Visit halifax.ca/hfxALERT for more information, to sign-up for notifications and to download mobile app.

Colleagues,

As I touched on last week, we are living in a new reality that feels far from normal.

I understand how difficult this is. The many complications and unknowns of blending your work and personal lives, as they intersect in new ways isn’t easy. On the heels of the province’s decision to extend school closures, I am reminded of the earlier years with my own children, and how difficult it must be for all those balancing the demands of family and work at a time like this.

Of course, this is just one of many difficult scenarios that our workforce is dealing with right now. While many are trying to complete tasks with young children by their side, others have high-risk dependents to care for, are working in essential services or have partners on the front lines of health care. No one is untouched by this rare world event.

Yesterday, provincial health authorities announced that Nova Scotia has its first case of transmission resulting from community spread. Now, it’s even more critical to adhere to the public health orders and directives – practice good hygiene, maintain a physical distance, limit essential gatherings to no more than five people and stay at home as much as possible.

We know that these guidelines look different in some of our work environments. Our teams have made incredible adjustments over the last number of weeks. All these efforts combined will help to flatten the curve and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

Words simply can’t express how proud I am to work alongside each of you in the face of this adverse, unpredictable and complicated situation. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to making a difference.

As a municipality we’re continuing to do what we can to support these efforts. I’d like to share a few highlights from yesterday’s Public Service Announcement:

As per the provincial State of Emergency Order:

• All provincial and municipal parks, as well as beaches, playgrounds, sports fields, courts and associated parking lots remain closed. If you enter these areas you are breaching the order and maybe charged.
• Provincial and municipal trails that are not part of a park can be used for exercise purposes, but only if you can walk there.
• Residents who have questions about the status of a trail can call 311, however, the municipality is asking residents to:
  • Stay home unless absolutely necessary.
  • Walk/exercise within your neighbourhood only.
  • Practice social distancing. This means staying at least two metres apart from others and do not gather in groups.
• The municipality’s parking enforcement team continues to align with Halifax Regional Police in enforcement efforts related to COVID-19.
• If you park in a parking lot that is part of a provincial or municipal park, you are breaching the order and in addition to being charged may be ticketed and/or towed. Residents can call 311 to report a vehicle that is non-compliant.
• We are still seeing people gathering and participating in activities such as private parties, street hockey and basketball games - these do not meet social distancing rules and exceed the maximum of people.
• To report violations related to the provincial state of emergency, call the police non-emergency line at 902-490-5020.

Thanks so much for everything you are doing to support your family, friends and colleagues during this public health crisis; keep HRM operational; and flatten the COVID-19 curve.

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

Municipal media briefings:Follow @hfxgov on Twitter for details regarding live streaming

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 or 902.237.9087

Colleagues,

I continue to be heartened by the extraordinary efforts being made to keep delivering services that our colleagues and residents across the region rely on.

I know it’s not easy. Understanding that everyone is coping with their own stress and worry right now, on top of work pressures, makes me appreciate your efforts even more.

As many have cited, we must pace ourselves. We’ve reached the end of week two, but we have a long, uncertain road ahead.

Now more than ever, we must do our very best to maintain a balance between work and life, and to prioritize our mental, physical and emotional health.

Remember that there are resources and support available to you, whenever needed, through Human Resources and our Employee and Family Assistance programs.

While we don’t know precisely when this pandemic will end, we anticipate current operations will function as they are now, until the end of June. I will continue to share updates and information as soon as I’m able.

Here are some highlights from today’s Public Service Announcement:

Halifax Transit

• Due to the incredible effort from Halifax Transit maintenance workers, operators, and the operations team, today’s service remained fully operational on a reduced schedule.
• Halifax Transit has been designated by the Province of Nova Scotia an essential service under the current provincial state of emergency. In light of this direction by the province, the municipality will continue delivering the highest level of service that can be reasonably provided – while also continuing to take steps that help minimize the spread of COVID-19 and make buses as safe an environment as possible in the circumstances. Residents are reminded that the level of transit service provided will continue to be adjusted as necessary, based on available operational resources.
• For riders who have purchased a March or April transit pass, please keep your passes until further notice. Halifax Transit will update the status of transit passes in the coming days.

Parks & Recreation

• Recreation centres remain closed for the foreseeable future and all programming remains cancelled.
• All municipal parks, beaches, playgrounds and sports fields/courts, as well as many trails are closed until further notice.
• Residents who have questions about the status of a trail can call 311, however the municipality is asking residents to:
  - Stay home unless necessary
  - Walk/exercise within your neighbourhood only
  - Do not gather in groups
  - Do not visit parks
  - Continue to practice social distancing

• Please note that all municipal spring recreation programming is cancelled and automatic refunds will be processed in the coming days.
• All programs have been removed from the online registration system, and credits for cancelled programs have been applied as a first step. If residents wish to keep a credit on file for future use, please email the registration team at myrec@halifax.ca by Sunday, March 29.
• All registrants will receive an email outlining this information, and additional questions can be submitted by email to myrec@halifax.ca. The registration phone line is not active for the time being.

The challenges around us are not insignificant, but neither is our collective strength, optimism and perseverance. Be well this weekend and be sure to take a moment to breathe in some fresh air and connect with family and friends from afar.

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

Municipal media briefings: Follow @hfxgov on Twitter for details regarding live streaming

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 or 902.237.9087

Colleagues,

Last night, Halifax Transit was advised that a staff member working in the Burnside Maintenance Department has tested positive for COVID-19.

Information was shared immediately with Transit employees and a Public Service Announcement was issued this morning, but I want to provide all employees with an update on this matter, and what steps are in place to prevent the spread of illness.

First though, I want to say that our thoughts and wishes for a speedy recovery are with the individual involved, and their family.

Based on an assessment of the circumstances, Public Health has indicated there is no risk to transit riders or the general public.

The following steps were taken immediately:

• All maintenance staff on the evening shift were sent home.

• The Burnside Maintenance Department workspace was disinfected, with a particular focus on high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, work surfaces, tools, etc.

• Maintenance staff scheduled to work this morning were advised to not report for their shift.

• Adjustments are being made in the shared work areas in the maintenance department to ensure safe social distancing is made easier for staff (e.g. spacing tables and chairs in lunchroom).

Public Health has been in contact with the individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 and identified anyone with whom the individual has been in close contact.

Anyone who has been identified by Public Health, as being in close contact with the individual who has tested positive, has been contacted. Direction will be given to self-isolate and testing for COVID-19 will occur.

Public Health has advised that the Burnside Maintenance Depot can remain operational and staff who have not been contacted by Public Health can report to work at the direction of Halifax Transit.

Public Health defines close contact as:

• providing care for someone who tested positive for COVD-19

• having close physical contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19

• living with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 (who isn’t able to properly and consistently socially distance)

• having close lengthy contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19

• having contact with bodily fluids of someone who tested positive for COVID-19

With the rise of confirmed COVID-19 cases in our region, I want to assure employees that we continue to refine our procedures to respond quickly to these scenarios. We also continue to take direction from Public Health regarding all the steps required to safeguard the health of our employees.

We all must follow Public Health Orders and Direction:

• If you have travelled outside of Nova Scotia you must stay home and self-isolate for 14 days upon your return

• If you’re feeling unwell – stay home

• If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, complete the 811 online assessment

• Practice social-distancing. Keep 2 metres/6 feet away from others

• Follow the 5-person limit - to the extent you are able – in your individual workplaces

• Wash your hands with soap and water regularly or use hand sanitizer

• Cough into your sleeve or tissue and discard immediately

• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Thank-you to all those who responded quickly to this situation and took the steps necessary to safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and residents.

If you have any questions about the procedures in your workplace, please reach out to your manager/supervisor to discuss.

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

Municipal media briefings: Follow @hfxgov on Twitter for details regarding live streaming

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: 902-490-6271 or 902-237-9087

Colleagues,

I’m pleased to share that we now have greater clarity around the provincial state of emergency as stated in the provincial order, and how exceptions will be applied to various municipal services.

Business Unit leaders will continue to communicate directly with employees around the application of the provincial order and what this looks like for individual teams.

While certain exceptions are in place, I want to reiterate how important it is to continue to work together to stay safe. During my daily calls with senior leadership, I continue to receive updates about the efforts being made across the organization to practice social distancing and follow the 5-person limit wherever possible. These measures will undoubtedly help us to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Keep up this great work.

There continue to be municipal service updates, and below are a few highlights from today’s Public Service Announcement:

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 anincreased 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.

Also, please note that as a result of the decision to suspend all fare collection on bus and ferry services, EPass payroll deductions will be suspended effective pay period 8 (from March 16 to March 28 – deposit date April 9) until further notice.

For employees who are now working from home, you’re encouraged to explore the Work from Home Toolkit aimed at helping individuals get set up to work efficiently from home.

Thank you all for your continued support, resolve and kindness during these unprecedented times.

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

Municipal media briefings: Follow @hfxgov on Twitter for details regarding live streaming

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: 902-490-6271 or 902-237-9087

Colleagues,

I’d like to pick up where we left off earlier this week, in reference to the province’s declaration of a state of emergency, and what this means for us and the services we deliver.

We continue to work with provincial authorities to determine what services deemed essential under the provincial order will continue to operate. I greatly appreciate your patience while we work out the finer details and will continue to share information as soon as it’s available.

In addition to other health and safety measures, I ask you all to continue to practice social distancing and follow the 5-person rule – to the extent you are able – in your individual workplaces. Together, we can help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

There continue to be municipal service updates, and below are a few highlights from today’s media briefing:

• All standard essential services of the municipality – including 311, fire and police – are operational and adhering to the most updated guidance and precautions from health officials.
• On behalf of our emergency responders, we ask that residents DO NOT call 911 for non-emergency purposes. Residents can call 311 and police non-emergency lines.

• Consistent with the decision by the Province of Nova Scotia to close all provincial parks, all municipal parks, beaches, playgrounds, and sports fields/courts, as well as many trails are closed until further notice.

• Clarification on municipal trail closures:

• Residential pathways that connect streets can be used.
• Multi-use paths along streets that replace sidewalks can be used.
• Residents can walk/cycle to a trail in their neighborhood only, provided that trail is not connected to or in a park.
• Residents are not permitted to drive to trails outside of their neighbourhood.

For the full list of municipal service adjustments, view the latest Public Service Announcement.

Also, please note the following organizational updates:

• Interdepartmental mail has been reduced to Tuesdays and Fridays. As such, incoming/outgoing mail through Canada Post will only be handled on these days.
• Canada Post is no longer taking signatures. As a result, Registered Letters will not be signed for.
• The Print Services team in Corporate Communications will be working with Business Units Coordinators to determine specific arrangements as required.

Again, thank-you all for doing your part to support each other, and our residents, through this difficult time. Many citizens have been sharing virtual kudos on social media and via 311, expressing their sincere admiration for your work in our communities. Your outstanding and ongoing efforts are appreciated. Keep well.

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

Municipal media briefings: Follow @hfxgov on Twitter for details

regarding live streaming

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: 902-490-6271 or 902-237-9087

Colleagues,

Earlier today the Province of Nova Scotia declared a state of emergency. We fully support these measures, and municipal staff will continue to work with the Province to align with recommendations of health officials and orders issued under the Emergency Measures Act.

Services deemed essential under the provincial order will continue to operate. We understand there are questions and concerns around how this implicates some of our public services.Municipal staff are currently determining service level adjustments related to this provincial state of emergency, including Halifax Transit, and will share details as decisions are confirmed.

I ask for your patience at this time as we continue to work through what these changes will mean for our employees and our operational requirements.

Also, please see the following municipal service updates shared via Public Service Announcement in response to the Province’s announcement:

• Consistent with the decision by the Province of Nova Scotia to close all provincial parks, all municipal parks, beaches, playgrounds, sports fields/courts, and trails are closed until further notice.
• All standard essential services of the municipality – including 311, fire and police – are operational and adhering to the most updated guidance and precautions from health officials.
• Residents and businesses are advised: Under provincial authority, individuals who are found in breach of the order will be subject to fines issued by provincial and local police enforcement.

These are challenging and uncertain times, but I feel assured that as a community, we will get through this together. I look forward to sharing an additional update related to this message as soon as possible.

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

Municipal media briefings: Follow @hfxgov on Twitter for details regarding live streaming

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: 902-490-6271 or 902-237-9087

Colleagues,

What’s abundantly clear to me, more than ever, is the tremendous level of commitment, passion and care our public servants have for our community. It’s been a source of both comfort and pride for me, as I hope it’s been for all of you.

I’ve heard from many of you that an area of great concern is your family’s financial wellbeing right now.

It’s important for me to confirm that our payroll operations are functioning as normal.

Below are a few related updates:

• Regular full-time employees, who are currently working, will continue to be paid as normal.
• Regular full-time employees who have been advised by their manager not to attend work, as the service they provide has been reduced or suspended, will be paid for their regular hours for the next four weeks ending April 25. The deposit date for this pay period is May 7. We will continue to evaluate the situation and provide additional information as it becomes available.
• After the two-week period ending March 28, we will pay all part time/ casual/ temporary employees based on an average of their pay from the last fiscal year for another four-week period to pay period ending April 25, with deposit on May 7. This will be reviewed during the four-week period to determine next steps.
• Any seasonal employees who are not currently working but had an anticipated return for the spring/ summer season, will receive a separate communication in the coming weeks regarding next steps.

As well, for your awareness, Halifax Transit has adjusted its service as follows:

• Targeting a 30 per cent reduction in bus service on weekdays, as of Monday, March 23.
• Continuing regular weekday schedules on some routes, while other routes will operate on their Saturday schedules during weekdays. Three routes will have no service. Weekend service will not be impacted. Details regarding route changes can be found at halifax.ca/transit
• Access-a-Bus passengers are requested to limit trip requests to essential trips only including physician appointments, grocery trips, medical services & dialysis, and prescription retrieval.
• For the most up-to-date information, follow @hfxtransit on Twitter for any service disruptions.

A sincere thank you to our colleagues in Halifax Transit for continuing to provide this service to the residents and employees who depend on you for travel during this time.

As you’re well aware, things are changing quickly and we continue to monitor the situation very closely. Know that in every decision we make, your safety and wellbeing remain top of mind.

With the weekend upon us, take some time for you and search out a hidden trail or explore one of our hundreds of parks. As shared at the press conference today, avoiding playgrounds and other high-touch surfaces is important.

Thank you for your efforts and cooperation as we work through this together. Keep well.

Kind regards, amitiés, wela’lioq,

Jacques