Things with COVID-19 are changing constantly. The Mayor addresses the community daily, giving updates on new COVID-19 measures that HRM is undertaking. Most of the new measures do not involve CUPE Local 108 members. I know many of you are feeling ignored. I can assure you that the conversations I’ve had with you are being taken to your managers.
Many 108 members are concerned about infection at workplaces. Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Strang, said today that all cases of COVID-19 are travel related or those in close proximity of travel related cases. He said that it is time to observe social distancing, it’s no longer an option. We must all try to limit physical interaction. He also said that social distancing does not mean we have to stay home. He said we can still go to the grocery store, walk our dogs and be out and about. We can do this while practicing social or physical distances (2m or 6’). He also stressed that self-isolation does not necessarily mean that we stay inside our home, but we need to stay away from other people with no physical contact. Dr. Strang asked that any worker that can work remotely, do so. These are protocols that will slow the spread of the virus, and allows us to remain at work, earning a pay. There is no directive to send all workers home.