Be Kind, Caring, Considerate and Be a Friend
Premier Stephen McNeil announced additional support for businesses that have closed or may be struggling to contend with the coronavirus pandemic.
The government is encouraging retail and commercial landlords to defer lease payments for the next three months for businesses that had to close directly due to the public health order.
Landlords who participate by granting such businesses a three month deferral and register by April 3 will be able to claim losses of up to $5,000 per month, if the renting business does not continue operating.
However, landlords are not permitted to change locks or seize property of businesses who cannot pay rent, if the business closed directly because of COVID-19 public health orders.
Other measures announced today include:
- Department of Health and Wellness will distribute up to 800 iPads across the province to long-term care homes so residents can connect with family and friends; the tablets will begin arriving at facilities in April.
- restaurants will be allowed to include alcohol purchases with takeout and delivery orders as long as the alcohol cost is not more than three times the value of food ordered, effective March 30.
- veterinarians may provide virtual care, prescription refills, and in-patient urgent or emergencies services.
McNeil said, "We are also focused today on our most vulnerable citizens and the measures we are taking today will not be the last.”
Community Services Measures include:
- partnering with Telus to provide 100 phones and calling plans to most-vulnerable clients who have no other means of communication and who may be self-isolated and alone (the cost — $50,000 for the phones and $5,000 per month for the calling plans
- investing $200,000 to support transition houses as well as other organizations that serve vulnerable women and children
- investing $55,000 to support 12 smaller community food banks
- extending the hours of its toll-free line for income assistance supports, including weekends
The Chief Medical Officer says, “I’ve been encouraged by the way most Nova Scotians have responded with caring, compassion, community-building, and common sense.”
However, Dr. Strang added, “I have also been troubled by reports of people harassing those who test positive. This is when people need the love and support of their community and neighbours the most. So, I am asking you to be kind. Be caring. Be considerate. Be there. Be a friend.”
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