Important CANS Update: Second Wave of COVID-19

(The following was sent to CANS members via email on November 25, 2020).

Good Morning, CANS Member: 

As you are aware, the number of cases of COVID-19 is beginning to rise in Atlantic Canada, particularly in HRM. It is more important than ever to remain vigilant and do our part to help curb the spread of the virus and keep our colleagues and family healthy and safe. 

On Tuesday, November 24, Dr. Strang and Premier McNeil addressed the province and introduced new measures to help limit the spread of COVID-19. The construction industry worked safely through the first wave and we aim to do the same again while respecting all public health guidelines during this second wave.

A few reminders:

Practise good hygiene. It remains important for us all to strictly adhere to the public health order and directives – practise good hand washing and other hygiene steps, maintain a physical distance when and where required. Wearing a non-medical mask is mandatory in most indoor public places, as well as on job sites where physical distancing of 6ft (2m) cannot be achieved. 

Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, has recently made the recommendation that Canadians choose three-layer non-medical masks with a filter to prevent spread of COVID-19 as we prepare to spend more time indoors over the winter months. 

Watch for symptoms. Symptoms can vary from person to person and in different age groups. Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. The severity of COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, can lead to death. Current information suggests most people don’t experience severe illness or need to be hospitalized.

Complete a COVID-19 Self-assessment and get tested. Call 811 if you think you may have been exposed OR in the past 48 hours you have had, or you are currently experiencing, any symptoms of the virus. 

Self-isolation requirements. Anyone who has travelled outside of Atlantic Canada must self-isolate for 14 days. 

Workers from outside Atlantic Canada can receive an exception to the self-isolation requirement for urgent and critical on-site work that requires specialized skills unavailable in Atlantic Canada. This includes, for example:

  • people who are essential to the inspection, installation or repair of specialized equipment
  • people who are essential to the maintenance and repair of critical infrastructure
  • people who are essential to the completion of large construction projects

Specialized workers are allowed to work and travel to and from the workplace, but must self-isolate for the period of time they’re in the province (up to 14 days) other than when they’re working. Specialized workers need to follow the Health Protection Act Order and the exceptions for specialized workers.

Download the Government of Canada’s free COVID-19 Alert App. COVID Alert can let other app users know of possible exposures before any symptoms appear. 

Please be advised that should we receive more information that impacts the construction industry, we will update you as soon as possible. CANS COVID-19 Resource Centre is updated daily and helps our members stay safe and informed throughout the ongoing pandemic. We have compiled the latest information from government and industry. 

If you have any questions, I encourage you to get in touch with us by emailing questions@cans.ns.ca

Sincerely,

Melody Hillman
Acting President & CEO
Construction Association of Nova Scotia