Community Information on COVID-19

As updates on the COVID-19 situation unfold, please hit “refresh” upon visiting this page to view the latest up-to-date information. Thank you.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

UPDATES BY DATE

Update: Friday, May 8th

As the province plans to transition into Alert Level 4 of the “Life With COVID-19” plan on Monday, May 11th, the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s is evaluating our operations for this new phase and beyond.

Our trails are currently open and they will remain open during Alert Level 4. Those wishing to avail of the trails are reminded to follow physical distancing guidelines at all times.

At this time, our parks will remain closed (with the exception of trails within parks, which remain open). This closure includes all playgrounds, hard surface courts, skate parks, outdoor sports facilities and fields, washroom facilities, and the dog park. We are working towards re-opening our parks as soon as we can do so safely, while following the public safety recommendations of Eastern Health. An update will be provided as soon as further details become available. We thank all residents for their patience and understanding as we navigate these challenging times.

To view the details on the province’s “Life With COVID-19” plan for Alert Level 4, visit:

https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/alert-system/alert-level-4/

Update: Thursday, May 7th

Unfortunately, due to ongoing safety precautions and concerns related to COVID-19, this year’s Killick Coast Games has been cancelled. The games were set to be played in Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove in summer 2020, and while they will not be going ahead this year, the 2021 games will remain hosted by Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove.

Update: Thursday, April 30th

As you pass by our Town Hall while out for a walk or a drive, look up for an important reminder message on our new flag: “Hope.”

In a very positive move forward in today’s announcement from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, your family may now choose ONE other household to join your bubble. We know many residents in our town will be very excited to hear this news and reconnect with some of your loved ones!

As we all adjust to our new bubbles, please respect the new “double bubble” only rules, and continue to follow all other social distancing measures and guidelines from our public health officials.

Everyone can do their part to keep our province safe. We will all get through this together!
For more information, visit:
https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/

Update: Monday, April 27th

The Public Council meeting for Tuesday, April 28^th at 7:00pm, will take place via Zoom software or a dial-in feature. All are welcome to join as audience members for this virtual meeting.

How to connect

To access the meeting by Computer, Tablet, or Mobile Device, click the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/96588500074. When prompted, please download Zoom to your device prior to the meeting if you don’t already have the program.
You can also phone in from your landline phone or mobile phone by dialling 1-855-703-8985 (Toll Free) and entering the Webinar ID: 965 885 000 74.

Please note that your name and/or phone number could be viewed by online participants during the meeting.

If you have questions or need assistance connecting to the meeting, please contact Jeff Lawlor at [email protected] or call 709-730-3800.

Notes on the meeting

During the regular Council meeting all audience members will be muted. Once the meeting is over you will be unmuted during our regular after session question and answer period. Please note that the meeting will be recorded and accessible for public viewing afterwards through YouTube.

The meeting agenda can be found through our CivicWeb Portal at the following link:https://pcsp.civicweb.net/Portal/

Update: Friday, April 24th

The Provincial Government has released the following:

A ban on open fires is now in effect for all of NL. The ban specifically prohibits the setting of all open fires on forest land or within 300 meters of forest land for all regions of the province. Click the link to view the release:

https://www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2020/flr/0422n02/

The provincial ban does not include the use of outdoor fire pits, wood burning ovens, chimeneas or fire barrels nor are permits required. However, please refer to backyard fireplace safety tips below:

Backyard Fireplace Safety Tips

Update: Friday, April 17th

Recycling Collection to Commence

Residents are advised that the Town will commence with our regular schedule for recycling collection beginning next week on Tuesday, April 21st. We very much appreciate the patience and understanding that residents have shown in the last few weeks by storing their recyclables. Please note that bulk garbage collection will remain suspended at this time. For more information visit:

https://pcsp.ca/…/recycling-collection-to-resume-april-21st/

Application for Open Air Fire Permit now Online

Residents are reminded that a town permit is required at any time during the year for open air burning. In order to support social distancing efforts you can now apply for the permit online here. Please note depending on the time of the year you may also require a permit from the Department of Fisheries and Land Resources.

Open Air Burning in PCSP

Update: Tuesday, April 14th

The Town is committed to the health and safety of our employees while ensuring we continue to provide core services to our residents. As such, we will temporarily not be accepting any written planning and development submissions or applications in person at this time. The Planning & Development Department will continue accepting and processing applications, compliance letter requests and all other submissions by email.

For further information regarding application forms, application processing and staff contacts, please visit the Building and Development Page

Update: Friday, April 3rd

Please be advised that until further notice, there will be a reduced Public Council Meeting schedule of one meeting per month. Meetings will take place digitally, via Zoom software or a dial-in feature. All are welcome to join as audience members for these digital council meetings.

The next Public Council Meetings will take place on April 28th and May 26th, 2020. Details on how to connect will be released the week of each meeting.

Update: Tuesday, March 31st

The Regular Public Council Meeting for tonight, Tuesday March 31^st at 7:00pm, will take place via Zoom software or a dial-in feature. All are welcome to join as audience members for this virtual meeting.

How to connect

To access the meeting by Computer, Tablet, or Mobile Device, click the following link:https://zoom.us/j/560690387. When prompted, please download Zoom to your device prior to the meeting if you don’t already have the program.
You can also phone in from your landline phone or mobile phone by dialing 1-855-703-8985 (Toll Free) and entering the Webinar ID: 560 690 387.

Please note that your name and/or phone number could be viewed by online participants during the meeting.

If you have questions or need assistance connecting to the meeting, please contact Jeff Lawlor at [email protected] or call 709-730-3800.

Notes on the meeting

The meeting agenda can be found through our CivicWeb Portal at the following link:https://pcsp.civicweb.net/Portal/

We appreciate your understanding and would like to thank all residents for your cooperation during this challenging time.

Update: Wednesday, March 25th – 6:30pm

As we work together to navigate this challenging time, safety is the priority for all staff and residents in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s. In order to protect our waste collection staff, please follow the measures below. We can all do our part to be safe and slow the spread of COVID-19!

Update: Wednesday, March 25th – 3:00pm

The Town of Portugal Cove – St. Philip’s has further extended the tax deadline, including the deadline to receive a discount on your property taxes. Effective immediately, the deadline to pay your municipal taxes is September 30, 2020. There will be no interest charged during this time and the 5% and GIS discounts will be honoured for this timeframe. This applies to residential property taxes, commercial property taxes, and general business taxes.

The Town Hall remains closed to the public, however, there are several ways you can pay taxes:

Internet Banking: Payments are accepted through online banking by adding the Town of Portugal Cove – St. Philip’s as a payee on your banking website and quoting the account number found on your tax bill. You are eligible to receive the discount if you use this method.
Pre-Authorized Debit: Payments can also be accepted using pre-authorized debit. Please fill out the form here and email to Joe Donkers at [email protected]. You are eligible to receive the discount if you use this method to pay your account in full by September 30, 2020.
Mail in Cheque: Residents can mail a cheque directly to the Town at 1119 Thorburn Rd, Portugal Cove – St. Philip’s, A1M 1T6. Be sure to include your account number with your payment. You are eligible to receive the discount if you use this method.
Credit Card through eServices: Payments can be received using your credit card on the Town’s website through the eServices. Here is the link to the eServices website: https://pcsp.ws.townsuite.com/login
If you have not registered, you’ll need a sign-up key, which can be found on your tax bill. If you need assistance, email Joe Donkers at [email protected]. Please note you will not receive the discount if you use this method.
Credit Card By Phone: Residents can also make a credit card payments or arrangements by calling 709-727-5203. Please note you will not receive the discount if you use this method.

Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) Payments are still available. Please fill out the form here and email with supporting documents to Joe Donkers at [email protected].

Please contact Joe Donkers at 709-727-5203 or [email protected] if you have any questions or require further support.

Update: Tuesday, March 24th

To help limit the spread of COVID-19, all parks and playgrounds in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s are closed, including ball fields, skate parks, hard surface courts and dog parks.

Trails and open spaces within parks and throughout the town remain open for public use at this time, but users must abide by social distancing requirements when availing of these spaces.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding at this time.

Update: Saturday, March 21st

All Playgrounds Closed to Public

Effective immediately, all playgrounds in the Town of Portugal Cove – St. Philip’s are closed for public use. This precautionary measure has been taken by the Town to support efforts in reducing the risk of COVID-19. The virus has been found to live on plastic and steel surfaces for up to three days. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding at this time.

Update: Thursday, March 19^th – 3:30pm

Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s Enacts Business Continuity Plan.
Ongoing Updates to be Posted on Town Website as they Become Available.

The Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s (PCSP) is closely monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation in order to support and reduce the risk for residents in our community. Public updates will be provided based on information and guidance from Eastern Health, the Provincial Department of Health and Community Services, and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

As we focus on protecting our residents and employees, the Town has developed a business continuity plan that will allow us to best maintain an appropriate level of service while focusing on the health and wellbeing of all. Business efficiencies and levels of service will be impacted in certain areas. However, we are in the process of transitioning the majority of staff to work from home. All departments will still do their best to continue business operations; however, the priority of the organization is to maintain core services and focus on critical business needs and decisions.

Any changes to services or programming in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s will be posted on our Town’s social media channels and our website at: www.pcsp.ca/covid19

At this time the following measures have been put in place:

All Town facilities, including the Town Hall, are closed to the public;
The Town will maintain core services of water testing, snow clearing, ice control, garbage collection (as per the regular garbage schedule), water and sewer, wastewater, and fire and emergency;
The Town will also maintain municipal enforcement, financial services, planning and development and communications;
Recycling collection is suspended;
All Town recreational programming and rentals are suspended;
Council meetings will take place once a month with a revised schedule to be announced shortly. These meetings will be done through teleconference and recorded for the public.

The Town can still be reached through regular means of the Town phone line at 895-8000 and email [email protected]. All staff have access to their respective phone lines and emails. We encourage everyone to practice social distancing, remain home when possible, and to reach out to your neighbours and loved ones. These are trying times for all, but we can all do our part to support the efforts to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in our community and province.

Update: Wednesday, March 18th – 2:30pm

Recreation Programs and Event Changes.

Due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19 (Coronavirus), we have made the difficult decision to temporarily postpone all upcoming recreation programs in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s.

The programs listed below are now postponed until further notice and we will reschedule when it is safe to do so:

Easter Camp and Easter Camp Registration – An announcement will be made in the coming weeks about Easter Camp and whether or not it will be going ahead. At this time, registration is postponed until further notice, and we encourage all those interested to stay tuned on our website and social media channels for updates.
Easter Egg Hunt – This event is postponed from the originally scheduled date of April 4th, a new date will be announced in the coming weeks.
Babysitting Course – This event is postponed from the originally scheduled date of March 28th, a new date will be announced in the coming weeks.
Stay Safe at Home Course – This event is postponed from the originally scheduled date of April 15th, a new date will be announced in the coming weeks.
Spring Fitness Registration – Registration is postponed until further details are outlined on the closures of recreational facilities, schools, and gyms. Spring Fitness Registration will not be going ahead on the originally scheduled date of March 23^rd.

We thank all residents for their cooperation and understanding during this challenging time. We will be closely monitoring the situation and providing updates on our website on the status of all town recreation programming as soon as possible.

Update: Tuesday, March 17th – 6:00pm

To enhance community and provincial efforts in reducing the risk of COVID-19, the Town of Portugal Cove – St. Philip’s is taking measures to support the advice of public health officials. Effective immediately all Town facilities, including the Town Hall, will close to the public. This decision is made to protect the health and safety of Town employees and residents. The Town Council meeting that was scheduled for tonight has now been postponed. We will be providing an update to our precautionary measures shortly, which will better outline our business continuity plan and explain how services will be delivered moving forward.

Update: Tuesday, March 17th – 4:30pm

Due to current circumstances related to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s will be suspending registration for Easter Camp until further notice. Registration had previously been scheduled to take place tomorrow, March 18^th, 2020.

We will be closely monitoring the situation and providing updates on our website on the status of all town recreation programming, including Easter Camp.

Update: Tuesday, March 17th – 1:30 pm

Effective immediately, the deadline for residents of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s to pay municipal taxes for the 2020 year has been extended from March 31st to April 30th. The option for 5% discount on the current 2020 property tax portion only (with payment in full) has also been extended to April 30th, 2020, but please note this discount is not applicable for those wishing to pay by credit card.

We are also recommending that those wishing to pay their taxes do so using our online eServices tool rather than visiting the Town Hall in person. If you have further questions on your taxes or need assistance on how to use our online payment tool, please call 895-8000.

We appreciate everyone’s understanding and efforts at this time as we work together to reduce the risk of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in our community and province.

Update: Tuesday, March 17th – 10:00 am

The public is advised that due to ongoing concerns related to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), please refrain from visiting the Town Hall facility unless absolutely necessary. If you do need to visit the Town Hall, please call ahead if possible at 895-8000.

Residents are also advised that tonight’s council meeting will not be open for in-person viewing; however, there will be an audio recording made available online after the meeting. To view the agenda for tonight’s meeting, visit our website, here. If you have any questions for the meeting, please feel free to email them to us in advance at [email protected]

We thank all residents for their cooperation and understanding during this challenging time. Please continue to monitor our website and social media channels for updates and advisories.

Update: Friday, March 13^th – 6:30 pm

The Town of Portugal Cove – St. Philip’s advises residents that effective immediately all recreation facilities are closed to the public. This includes the Recreation Centre, Library and Park Huts. The Town Hall will remain open during our normal hours of operations.

All facility rentals and recreation programming and events are cancelled until further notice. The Public Council Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 will be closed to the public. We will provide an update on how to view the meeting online and submit your questions.

We will make updates regularly through our website and social media. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and efforts at this time as we work together to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in our community and Province.

Original Post: Friday, March 13th – 4:00 pm

Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s Monitoring COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Situation
Ongoing Updates to be Posted on Town Website as they Become Available

The Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s (PCSP) is closely monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation in order to support and manage the risk for residents in our community. Public updates will be provided based on information and guidance from Eastern Health, the Provincial Department of Health and Community Services, and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

As we focus on protecting our residents, employees, and essential services, the Town is evaluating our policies, programs and procedures and will work closely with our public health officials. Any changes to services or programming in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s will be posted on social media and our website at: www.pcsp.ca/covid19

At this time, the only disruption to our regular services and programs is the cancellation of our Seniors St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, which was originally scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 17^th, 2020. Unfortunately, due to the size of the audience for this event and risk to a vulnerable population for COVID-19 (Coronavirus), this event will be postponed and rescheduled for a later date.

To help prevent the spread of this disease and for the safety of all, residents are reminded to wash hands often and for a duration of 20-30 seconds, use hand sanitizer, regularly clean frequently touched surfaces with disinfectant household cleaners, avoid contact with people who are sick, practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette (cover your mouth and nose with your arm when coughing and sneezing and immediately dispose of used tissues in the trash), and refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and face area.

If you are feeling ill, avoid contact with others and call the NL Healthline at 811 for instructions. For further information on the impact on Canadians, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/coronavirus

Contact Our Staff

Jeff Lawlor

Director of Economic Development, Marketing and Communications

895-8000 x222
Jeff.Lawlor@pcsp.ca

Community Information on COVID-19

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Jeff Lawlor

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