Saint John Ready To Navigate COVID-19: EMO

The director of Saint John’s Emergency Management Organization said they are ready to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic — no matter how long it lasts.

Fire Chief Kevin Clifford said the city has had a pandemic emergency response plan for a few years but never expected to use it.

Clifford said it is too soon to say how we will endure the crisis, but the ultimate outcome will depend on all of us.

“We do not know how many people in our community will get sick or how many will die. We do know that following the direction of federal, provincial and regional health authorities will minimize these horrendous outcomes,” said Clifford.

Last Tuesday, the city began transitioning to an essential services delivery model following recommendations from the province’s chief medical officer of health.

City Hall and all other municipal facilities were shuttered and non-essential staff were told to stay home.

Clifford said projections on how long the crisis could last range from four to 18 months.

“Maybe it’ll be shorter, maybe it’ll be longer,” said Clifford.

“Our municipal team will need to be supported, they will need to endure, they will need to be strong, resilient and spirited as we work one day at a time, not knowing what the conclusion of the crisis will be or when it will come.”

Stephanie Hossack, operations section chief, told council they are working with the Department of Social Development to move the city’s shelters to comply with social distancing.

“Outflow, our men’s shelter, the new location will be determined soon. Coverdale, our women’s shelter, will be moving to Bayside Middle School starting Wednesday evening. These facilities will be operated on a 24 hours a day, seven days a week basis,” said Hossack.

City manager John Collin said they are looking to restart some key services which are not considered essential, such as permitting and building inspections.

Collin said both of these services are essential to enable construction within the city.