As of August 4, Nova Scotia has had 1,071 confirmed cases of COVID-19. 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.
UPDATE: AS OF JULY 31, 2020, MASKS ARE MANDATORY IN PUBLIC PLACES. MORE INFO HERE.
Links to Federal, Provincial, and Municipal Program and Service Updates:
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
- Preparing to Reopen Nova Scotia
- Restaurant COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Guide for Nova Scotia Reopening Resource for Foodservice Operators
- Government of Nova Scotia
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
- Nova Scotia Business Labour Economic Coalition (Halifax Chamber of Commerce)
- The Post Promise training, education, and declaration
- Watch Provincial Government live webcasts
- Government of Canada
- Innovation Canada
- Canadian Business Resilience Network (Canadian Chamber of Commerce)
- The Business Resilience Service
- 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
*Downtown Halifax Business Commission has created physical distancing graphics for members to use. Members are welcome to download, print and install them throughout their business as needed.
Downtown Halifax Physical Distance Signs - BLUE
Downtown Halifax Physical Distance Signs - GREEN
DOWNTOWN LOWDOWN EPISODE 29: - Tuesday, July 28, 2020
On Episode 29 of #DowntownLowdown, we talk to Jenny Nodelman, Marketing and Events Officer at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Jenny tells us what the Museum did during the pandemic and how they are doing since re-opening.
Paul MacKinnon, CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission, talks about Bedford Row, the Peace and Friendship Park, and how the Department of Education's back to school decision will affect Downtown. We also talk about what attractions are open, business milestones and Discover Halifax's new 'Heart. Soul. Halifax!' Guide..
This episode was recorded on July 23, 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:
- Nova Scotia Workplace PPE Supplier Directory
- 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
