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We are working closely with provincial partners to prepare and respond to the increased likelihood of more COVID-19 infections in Canada.
The health and wellness of our employees and residents is our main priority.
We are working closely with provincial partners to prepare and respond to the increased likelihood of more COVID-19 infections in Canada.
The health and wellness of our employees and residents is our main priority.
Colleagues:
This afternoon the Province of Nova Scotia announced that there are currently three presumptive cases of COVID-19 in the province. As well, the Premier encouraged all those who could work from home to do so and, with Mayor Savage’s support, we must do our part in the collective effort to reduce the spread of this disease.
Until further notice, those employees who can work from home are directed to do so. All others are to report to their usual work location and continue to exercise safe social distancing to the extent possible. This means avoiding crowded places and non-essential gatherings, greeting one another with a wave or elbow instead of a handshake or hug, and keeping a two-meter distance from others – when and if possible. We will continue to assess the need for adjusted accommodations to continue to provide a safe working environment for our staff.
In addition to recent updates regarding impacts to municipal services, we will be closing all municipally-owned recreation centres starting on Tuesday, March 17.
These precautionary measures are part of an overall public health strategy and help safeguard the health of others, particularly the most vulnerable in our communities by reducing the number of our employees in the workplace where possible while still maintaining operations.
If you have any questions or concerns about your work arrangements, please contact your supervisor.
Our responsibility to provide residents with services remains unchanged. Given the rapidly changing nature of this situation, it is imperative that we adapt in a timely fashion.
For many weeks now, senior staff have been working on a cohesive, organization-wide response to the operational challenges we’re facing. Tomorrow morning, members of our leadership team will be participating in additional planning meetings at the Emergency Operations Centre. Following an assessment of status and a determination of appropriate next steps, we will be advising employees and residents of our ongoing efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and any anticipated impacts to municipal services in the short term.
We received news today that the individual with a link to the Mayor’s Office has tested negative for COVID-19. As a result, all staff in the Mayor’s Office are no longer exercising self-isolation; however, those staff who can will work from home until further notice.
We’ll continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and advise if there are additional operational changes impacting employees.
I am committed to continuing to provide regular updates to staff, in addition to communications that will be shared through our management teams and our internal communications channels including the municipal intranet.
Kind regards, amitiés, wela’lioq,
Jacques
Colleagues,
The health and wellness of our employees and residents is our main priority. Emergency Management and senior leadership are closely monitoring provincial and federal updates regarding COVID-19.
There are no cases of the virus in Nova Scotia at this time. Currently, there are no impacts to municipal services, including Halifax Transit.
Late this morning, however, we became aware of a staff member from the Mayor’s Office with a possible link to someone who is being tested for COVID-19. All staff in the office, including the Mayor, out of an abundance of caution, have chosen to remain at home until the person in question is tested and results are known. The office space and common areas in City Hall are being disinfected.
We ask employees to continue to practice good personal hygiene, keep their work spaces clean and when possible, avoid physical contact with others (e.g. shaking hands).
All cleaning staff in all municipal facilities have been instructed to thoroughly clean public surfaces such as door knobs, elevators and counters. Halifax Transit is also deploying additional cleaning crews to increase its cleaning schedule frequency for buses and ferries. This will remain in effect until further notice.
Due to the rapidly changing nature of this situation, we will be sending regular communications to staff through our management teams and our internal communications channels including the municipal intranet.
Travel
As of today, and until further notice, requests for business travel outside of the Halifax Regional Municipality will not be approved.
Whether travelling for work or pleasure, check the federal government travel advisories.
Based on the latest information from Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness:
As an employee of Halifax Regional Municipality, and in the interest of public safety and that of your colleagues, effective March 13, if you have travelled to a state, province or country where there have been confirmed COVID-19 cases, we are directing you to self-isolate for 14 days following the trip and do not report to work.
NOTE: Please contact your supervisor or manager in any of these scenarios to make appropriate arrangements.
Health
If you are feeling unwell, please call 811 for an initial assessment.
Nova Scotia Health Authority has recently established COVID-19 assessment centres across the municipality. If you need in-person assessment, 811 will refer you to a centre. Don't go to a COVID-19 assessment centre unless 811 referred you.
For all health of the latest updates regarding COVID-19, please visit novascotia.ca/coronavirus.
We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and will advise if there are any further operational changes impacting employees.
Kind regards, amitiés, wela’lioq,
Jacques
If you, or a direct family member, are experiencing increased worry or anxiety, you can reach out to your respective Employee and Family Assistance Program for support.
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.
Our partners in Human Resources are also here to help. You can contact MyHR@halifax.ca or phone 902.490.6145 for centralized access to employee services.