As of May 26, Nova Scotia has 1,052 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia. It is important for everyone to do their part in slowing down the spread of the virus, including self-isolation and physical distancing as per the State of Emergency directives issued on March 22, 2020. Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC) is following the directives of public health organizations, in particular: Nova Scotia Health Authority, Health Canada, and the World Health Organization, and is asking businesses in Downtown Halifax to do the same.
Links to Federal, Provincial, and Municipal Program and Service Updates:
On Friday, May 1, 2020, the Nova Scotia government announced the immediate easing of some public health restrictions around COVID-19, including opening all municipal and provincial parks. LEARN MORE HERE.
THE COVID-19 NS BUSINESS & LABOUR ECONOMIC COALITION UPDATES
The Halifax Chamber of Commerce has created the COVID-19 NS Business & Labour Economic Coalition, of which DHBC is an active member. The group represents the business and labour community and will work to support businesses, labour, and employees and allow collaboration across Nova Scotia during this uncertain time. The coalition virtually meets three times a week, with representatives from all orders of government on the calls.
The United Way has formed the Atlantic Compassion Fund, which has raised $1.5 million and will be distributing funds to not-for-profits. The Fund will help agencies across Atlantic Canada respond to the unique, immediate and emerging needs in their local community. For information on how to donate and/or how to apply for funding, click here.
OTHER RESOURCES
- Government of Nova Scotia
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
- Nova Scotia Business Labour Economic Coalition (Halifax Chamber of Commerce)
- Watch Provincial Government live webcasts
- Government of Canada
- Innovation Canada
- Canadian Business Resilience Network (Canadian Chamber of Commerce)
- View Halifax Partnership's COVID-19 Economic Response and Recovery Plan
- Government of Canada toll-free information line: 1-833-784-4397
- Government Business Navigators: Navigators are available by calling or 1-844-628-7347, (902) 424-4475, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, or by email at BusNavigation@novascotia.ca
EPISODE 23: Downtown Halifax COVID-10 Crisis Update - Tuesday, May 26, 2020
On the latest episode of #DowntownLowdown, we chat with Patrick Sullivan, President & CEO of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, and chair of the Nova Scotia Business & Labour Economic Coalition. Patrick tells us how and why #NSBLEC was formed and the work it is doing. Paul MacKinnon, CEO of Downtown Halifax, gives us an update on the latest developments with provincial and federal relief programs and DHBC's latest advocacy work. And we have an update on What's Open in Downtown Halifax, and how you can stay connected with the DowntownHalifax community. This episode was recorded on May 25, 2020. LISTEN on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Breaker, Anchor, Podcast Atlantic or YouTube.
Below are links to where you can find updates, advice, and resources for prevention and preparedness:
- Halifax Regional Municipality
- Nova Scotia Health Authority
- Health Canada
- Health Canada: risk-informed decision-making for mass gatherings during COVID-19 global outbreak
- World Health Organization
- Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia's COVID-19 Protocol for Restaurants in Nova Scotia
- Summary of Federal Government Iinitiatives
- Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
- Halifax Chamber of Commerce
For a list of closed businesses and organizations, cancelled events and more, visit: downtownhalifax.ca/closed
For more information on what Downtown Halifax businesses are open or open online, click here.
Stay connected with Downtown Halifax. See what businesses and attractions are doing to stay engaged and connected here.
