Business closures, delays and postponements in Halifax as COVID-19 keeps staff off the job
CBC
The rapid spread of COVID-19 over the past week is creating staffing challenges at businesses and services in the Halifax region as increasing numbers of employees are being affected by the outbreak.
In addition to those testing positive for COVID-19, many others are staying home from work having been identified as close contacts of known cases.
That's led to a reduced workforce for some of the region's biggest employers, including the Halifax Regional Municipality, which is reporting service disruptions at Halifax Transit as a result.
The municipality confirmed in a statement to CBC News it has been dealing with delays over the past few days "due to transit operators following Public Health protocols and recommendations related to COVID-19."
The statement said that ferry service is expected to be impacted over the coming weeks because of uncertainty over operators and crew members.
On Thursday, the province reported 287 new cases of COVID-19 — the highest number of new cases announced in one day since the pandemic arrived in Nova Scotia. Of those new cases, 191 were in the central zone, which includes HRM.
Already facing tighter restrictions that come into effect Friday, bars and restaurants in the area are having to endure even more pain with a number of them closing temporarily due to positive tests.
In a social media post Wednesday, the Pint Public House on Argyle Street said it would close for at least 24 hours after several staff tested positive for COVID-19.
La Frasca on Spring Garden Road issued a similar notice explaining it was closing to allow staff to get tested after one of their colleagues tested positive.
At CFB Halifax, between 500 and 1,000 employees have been taking advantage of weekly rapid testing offered on site. The base employs about 10,000 people.
"We're tracking 32 confirmed cases across our defence population," said Capt. Sean Williams, the base commander.
He said approximately 200 other people have been identified as a close contact and are self-isolating while they await PCR tests.
Williams explained that operations are continuing without issues with the ability for many people to work remotely.
Holiday social events that had been planned were cancelled, and while there is concern about case numbers, strict protocols remain in place to give people confidence at work, he said.
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