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PRESENTATION CONCERNING A COVID-19 UPDATE
M. Prowse, Chief Administrative Officer provided an update concerning the evolving situation of COVID-19. He advised that members of Council receive multiple updates throughout the day on the frequent activities happening in the City, the Province and the Country.
Mr. Prowse discussed slides concerning the following topics:
• An overview on the current status of the City’s Emergency Control Group, the emergency declaration, the confirmed numbers and status of COVID-19 cases, the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) joining the Control Group, community transmission and the importance of physical distancing;
• The new Provincial orders and directions as of March 30, 2020;
• An update on City Services;
• The new actions to support community health including a COVID-19 enforcement line and an Emergency Order to enforce physical distancing to parks and other public places;
• A summary of Enforcement Services activities from March 16 to April 6, 2020;
• The new actions the City is taking to support the economy including engagement with local manufacturers, the arts community and the small business programs including discussions concerning impacts, opportunities, information and resources;
• An update on the Provincial order dated April 3, 2020 amending the list of essential work places, and the continuation of City’s construction projects;
• The City staffing changes during the COVID-19 crisis;
• A summary of new communication initiatives;
• The City’s projected financial impacts;
• The continuation of City Services including scheduled street sweeping and the Community Improvements Plan (CIP) uptakes;
• Information concerning free online programs offered by Talk is Free Theatre and the Caswell Community Choir; and
• The potential emerging matters for the City.
Members of Council asked a number of questions to City staff and received responses.