Click a link below to be brought to a specific section:
MY OFFICE
If you have the following COVID-19 symptoms please do not come into the office:
-New or worsening fever or cough
-Two or more of the following: sore throat, runny nose, headache and shortness of breath.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms and you need our assistance call (902) 463-6670 or email susanleblancMLA@bellaliant.com.
RAPID TESTS
My constituency office has free rapid tests in our entry way; five per box. Pick up available Monday to Friday 9am-4:30pm, contact free.
GENERAL COVID-19 LINKS
VACCINES
Vaccines help protect you from viruses and bacteria that cause illnesses. They also protect everyone around you. The more people in a community who are vaccinated and protected from COVID-19, the harder it is for the virus to spread. COVID-19 vaccines must be approved for use by Health Canada.
Book your vaccine appointment here. To book your appointment by phone, call toll-free: 1-833-797-7772 (7 am to 10 pm, 7 days a week). If you are do not have a computer/internet and have not been able to book via phone, feel free to call my office at (902) 463-6670 and my staff will attempt to book an appointment for you.
MASKS
When worn properly, non-medical masks can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus. Your mask can be a commercial non-medical mask or a homemade mask that covers your nose and mouth. The mask must cover your mouth and nose and fit snugly. A face shield can’t be worn instead of a non-medical mask. (We have disposable masks in the consituency office.) More about masks here.
Using a mask alone isn’t enough to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Find out how else to protect yourself and others here.
SYMPTOMS AND TESTING
Visit Nova Scotia Health Authority for information about COVID-19 symptoms, COVID-19 testing and if you have tested positive for COVID-19.
How to get tested
Nova Scotia Health Authority provides testing throughout the province – check COVID-19 testing requirements for when you need to get tested for COVID-19 and how to get tested.
Book a COVID-19 test
You can book a PCR COVID test here. Or you can call 811 if you’re unable to book a test online (or to speak with a nurse).
$ HELP
Income Assistance
To apply for Income Assistance call 1-877-424-1177 toll-free Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
SPECIALIZED SUPPORTS
Diabetes Canada has compiled a series of COVID-19 resources for people living with diabetes.
COVID-19 and Diabetes fact sheet
COVID-19 and Diabetes FAQs
How to prepare COVID-19 and Diabetes graphic
People living diabetes can now call a new Diabetes Education Line via Diabetes Canada’s existing toll-free Info and Support line, 1-800 BANTING (226-8464). Within 24-48 hours of seeking help, a diabetes educator will respond to provide individualized answers and support. Diabetes educators are registered nurses, dietitians, social workers, and pharmacists. The service is free, confidential and provided in both English and French.
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada COVID-19 Resources
Disease-Modifying Treatment (DMT) Guidelines for Coronavirus (COVID-19)
MS Navigators are available to assist anyone in Canada from 8am to 8pm ET, Monday to Friday via:
Live Web Chat on the MS Society website
Email at msnavigators@mssociety.ca,
Phone at 1-844-859-6789.
WORKERS’ RIGHTS
Provincial Occupational Health and Safety If you feel unsafe at work first talk to your manager/supervisor and then call 1-800-9LABOUR (1-800-952-2687). More information here.
If you have questions about the Labour Code, like taking leave or being laid off, contact the Labour Board at 1-888-315-0110.
If you’re a business owner or manager and you want workplace safety advice, call the Safety Branch at 1-800-952-2687.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Safety has released Pandemic (COVID-19) tip sheets with health and safety tips and good practices, for both employers and workers, specific to each industry or sector. Download them here.
Pink Larkin Fact Sheet: When May an Employee Lawfully Refuse to Work?
BUSINESS
Business Navigators (Provincial) 1-844-628-7347 or 902-424-4475 or email BusNavigation@novascotia.ca
LEGAL
Personal Directives (Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia)
LISNS wants to remind Nova Scotians that during this difficult time, there is something they can do to take control of their situation, and that is, to make a personal directive, using the free PD App, to document their healthcare wishes. The Personal Directive is a gift to family and friends and, very importantly, a huge help to healthcare workers particularly during this time of great stress.
The Personal Directive App is simple to complete and is available at www.legalinfo.org/forms/personal-directive from the Legal Info Nova Scotia website at www.legalinfo.org and help is available from a trained lawyer via telephone: 1 800 665-9779 or 902-455-3135, live chat www.legalinfo.org or email: questions@legalinfo.org.
MENTAL HEALTH
Nova Scotia mental health and addictions services: Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM 1-855-922-1122
IWK Mental Health and Addictions Intake service 1-855-922-1122 (toll free)
Mobile Mental Health Crisis (24 Hour): 1-888-429-8167 OR 902-429-8167
Healthy Minds Cooperative (Dartmouth), 902-404-3504
Self Help Connection: 902-466-2011
The Pause Mental Health Walk-In Clinic, located on Gottingen Street, has a toll free number you can call to set up an appointment with one of their therapists: 1-800-598-5270 any time.
The Association of Black Social Workers is providing support to members of the African Nova Scotian community through toll-free number 1-855-732-1253 or email nsabswcovid19@gmail.com. Monday - Friday 830am-430pm. After hours calls have 12hr call back.
Hope for Mental Health provides a continuum of programs and services for people living with a mental illness and their family/friends.
Mental Health First Aid COVID-19 Self-Care & Resilience Guide (Mental Health Commission of Canada)
Working from Home Mental Health Tips (Canadian Mental Health Association)
Taking Care of your Mental Health During The COVID-19 Pandemic VIDEO with Dalhousie’s Dr.
Eva Adriana Wilson
Impacts of COVID-19 on Substance Use from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
Coping With Stress, Anxiety, And Substance Use During Covid-19 from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
Coping with COVID-19 Stress and Anxiety, Information for Cancer Patients
PHONE NUMBERS
Federal COVID-19 Information Phoneline: 1-833-784-4397
Provincial Health Information and Health Line: 811
211 - Call 211 to be connected with the Red Cross who can offer support for and perform wellness checks for isolated Nova Scotians.
Susan Leblanc’s Constituency Office: (902) 463-6670 or susanleblancMLA@bellaliant.com
Darren Fisher’s Constituency Office: (federal government departments/CRB/EI/CRA help) -
(902) 462-6453 or darren.fisher@parl.gc.ca
Income Assistance: 1-877-424-1177
Tenancy Board/Access Nova Scotia: 902-424-5200
Dartmouth Community Health Team: 902-460-4555
Mobile Mental Health Crisis (24 Hour): 1-888-429-8167 OR 902-429-8167
Healthy Minds Cooperative (mental health support): 902-404-3504
Self Help Connection: 902-466-2011
Mobile Outreach Street Health (MOSH): 902-429-5290
Feed Nova Scotia: 902-457-1900 (Call 211 for food box delivery)
North Dartmouth Food Bank: 902-469-2188
Margaret’s House: 902-464-2919
Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank: 902-425-2125
Elizabeth Fry Society (for women who have been criminalized): 902-431-1530
Byrony House (shelter and support for women fleeing violence): 902-422-7650
Adsum House (shelter for women, trans folks, and children): 902-443-4443
Dalhousie Legal Aid: 902-423-8105
Human Rights Commission: 902-424-4111
The Association of Black Social Workers is providing support to members of the African Nova Scotian community through toll-free number 1-855-732-1253 or email nsabswcovid19@gmail.com. Monday - Friday 830am-430pm. After hours calls have 12hr call back.
Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia
The Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia has increased their ability to respond to calls on their toll-free and confidential InfoLine: 1-800-611-6345.