COVID-19 Roundup: Feeding the community, artists together(ish), economic impacts
Yesterday, April 13, Nova Scotia confirmed 17 new cases of COVID-19, raising the provincial total to 445.
Sea to sea
Nationwide, Canada currently has 24,383 confirmed cases, with the bulk in Ontario and Quebec. While the numbers seem to show that Canada’s efforts to flatten the curve are slowing the spread, officials warn it’s far too early to start high-fiving. “We must continue to control the epidemic using tried and true public health measures, including staying home when possible, maintaining physical distancing, meticulous hand washing, and covering our coughs,” says a statement from the Public Health Agency of Canada. “What we do together now to stop the spread of COVID-19 will reduce the impact of the pandemic and determine how soon we can readjust our public health measures in Canada.”
Feeding the community
After closing due to the pandemic, The Canteen on Portland Street in Dartmouth is transforming to a “community kitchen,” working with the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre and Margaret’s House (Feeding Others of Dartmouth Society) in downtown Dartmouth. Chef and Canteen co-owner Renée Lavallée aims to prepare 300–400 meals per week for those in need. “We’re focussed on applying all of our energy to doing what we do best… preparing a large volume of nutritious meals,” says co-owner Doug Townsend in a press release. “Our partners are then able to focus on what they do best: supporting vulnerable communities by distributing these meals to those most in need”
Economic impacts
The effects of the pandemic continue to ripple through the Nova Scotian economy. In this recent story for Lighthouse Now, Gayle Wilson reports on a Queens County sawmill that has seen its market evaporate. “Our heart goes out to our suppliers,” says Charlie Freeman, president of Freeman Lumber. “These hardworking Nova Scotians stand to lose their jobs, homes, businesses, and savings. Yet we simply cannot afford to buy their wood.”
Artists working together(ish)
For artists, much of the work is solitary, which is why the emotional and creative support of galleries and collectives is so important. To fill that void during the pandemic, a Truro woman has created the Facebook group ACT (Artists Creating Together). “For me being well has always involved creativity and art,” she says. Her plan was a small group of artists sharing inspiration. It quickly grew to include more than 100 artists across Canada, sharing “socially distanced” shows with anyone who is interested. She tells Raissa Tetanish about it in this recent Hub Now story.
Stop the spread
Wearing a non-medical mask won’t stop you from catching COVID-19 but it can fight its spread, according to Health Canada. In this recent post for East Coast Living, Kim Hart Macneill has an easy step-by-step guide to making your own mask.
Need to know
Know a community group, good cause, or inspiring local story we should share? Email the editor.
This story was originally published in Halifax Magazine.
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