Mayor Breen gave an update on precautionary measures being undertaken to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of St. John’s is activating its Business Continuity Plan and taking measures to proactively help prevent the spread of the virus. Following advice from public health officials, the City will be concentrating on work-from-home and remote deployment solutions for our staff to increase social distancing.
While City Hall will not close at this time, the City is asking members of the general public to avoid visiting City facilities and to conduct business online or over the phone, where possible. Residents can continue to contact the City through the Access Centre in the following ways:
•Report problems via our free 311 St. John's app
•Submit a service request online
•Email access@stjohns.ca
•Call 311 or 754-CITY (2489)
Up-to-date closures, cancellations and other timely information is available on the City's website including the following:
•All public meetings and events hosted by the City are cancelled until further notice.
•Council meetings will occur and be webcast, but are closed to the public
•Suspension of recycling collection for the next two weeks (up to and including Friday, March 27)
•Limited access to the Animal Care & Adoption Centre; inquire at 576-6126 or humaneservices@stjohns.ca
•Facility closures, until further notice:
◾All Community Centres and recreation facilities, including The Loop, are closed
◾All recreation programs, including after school care, are cancelled
◾The Welcome Centre, 348 Water Street, is closed
◾The City Archives, 15 Terra Nova Road, is closed
◾The Railway Coastal Museum is closed
In addition to the closures and cancellations announced last week the City is further announcing the following:
•Suspension of recycling collection for the next two weeks.
•Limited access to Humane Services; please call ahead to arrange a time to pick up pets, as part of an adoption or to collect a lost animal.
•The City Archives building at (15 Terra Nova Road) is closed to the public until further notice.
Mayor Breen also acknowledged the economic impact this situation is creating noting that the recent state of emergency arising from multiple severe snow events this past winter has already negatively impacted business. He indicated that he will be meeting with his counterparts across the country along with the Deputy Prime Minister with the hope that federal financial relief will be made available as soon as possible.
Mayor Breen concluded by encouraging members of the public to stay safe and follow the protocols set down by both the Provincial and Federal Governments.