COVID-19 Resource Centre

Client Care and Continued Service at Cox & Palmer – Update May 19, 2020

Cox & Palmer has continued to serve its clients’ needs throughout the pandemic. As provincial governments and health authorities across the region introduce re-opening plans, we will take our lead from them and adjust our operations accordingly. We will proceed with diligence and care – you can have confidence that we will take all necessary precautions.

As the Atlantic Provinces advance re-opening plans, we anticipate Cox & Palmer offices will gradually re-open to the public, in a staged approach and in alignment with the social distancing recommendations of government health authorities. With the health and safety of our employees, clients and communities our top priority, our Operations team will implement a number of measures including:

• Marked perimeters and/or Plexiglas screens in reception areas
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) utilization per the guidance of local health authorities
• Designated and clearly marked office entry and exit routes to avoid contact
• Reduced waiting room seating and/or immediate placement in sanitized meeting space
  to minimize congregation
• Right-sized lawyer and support teams on premises to align with social distancing recommendations
• Meeting room capacity restrictions
• Continued enhanced sanitization of office and meeting rooms

Given the varying rates of infection in each province, the phases and timing of re-opening plans will differ throughout the region. As well, re-opening plans are subject to change depending on local conditions with respect to the number of positive COVID cases in a prescribed time period. We will provide periodic updates on the status of our office locations. As of May 19, 2020:

New Brunswick – offices are OPEN to the public; remote operations continue

• Clients are not required to attend the office to conduct legal matters. We are flexible and continue to encourage virtual service delivery. In-person meetings are by appointment and necessity only.

Newfoundland and Labrador – offices are CLOSED to the public; remote operations continue

Nova Scotia – offices are CLOSED to the public; remote operations continue

Prince Edward Island – offices are OPEN to the public in conjunction with remote operations

• Clients are not required to attend the office to conduct legal matters. We are flexible and continue to encourage virtual service delivery. In-person meetings are by appointment and necessity only.

Our team continues to publish relevant and helpful COVID related information, including:

• How do borrowers and lenders manage during an economic downturn?
• Employee Refusals to Work: Employer Rights and Obligations under OHS Legislation
• Tendering and COVID-19: bidders beware (or at least be aware)

We are abreast of the impacts COVID-19 is having on global markets, local markets, and your business, and are here to assist you and provide the necessary support during this uncertain time.

We extend sincere thanks to our health care professionals whom we know are under the greatest pressure of all, to you, our clients, for your continued business and loyalty, and to our team here at Cox & Palmer, who are working hard to ensure we continue to deliver uninterrupted top quality client service.  We are all in this together.

COVID-19 Cox & Palmer Update Archive:

• April 9, 2020: Client Care and Continued Service at Cox & Palmer
• March 19, 2020: Cox & Palmer Closes Offices to the Public and Implements Business Continuity Plan to Continue Client Service
• March 17, 2020: Update: Cox & Palmer’s Commitment to Health, Safety & Client Service
• March 13, 2020: Cox & Palmer’s Commitment to Health, Safety & Client Service

Helpful Links:

• New Brunswick Government Information
• Newfoundland Government Information
• Nova Scotia Government Information
• Prince Edward Island Government Information
• Government of Canada Information
• https://www.apec-econ.ca/covid