Tuesday, March 31, 2020

March 31st, 2020 #COVID-19 Numbers

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

 Editor's Note - Joint Statement of BC's Health Minister Adrian Dix & BC's Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry can be viewed here

The COVID-19 situation in British Columbia is continually evolving and the information below is current as of 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
Cases:
  • Total confirmed cases in B.C.: 1,013
  • New cases since March 30, 2020: 43
  • Hospitalized cases: 128
  • Intensive care: 61
  • COVID-19 related deaths: 24
  • Recovered: 507
Confirmed cases by region:
  • Vancouver Coastal Health: 476
  • Fraser Health: 348
  • Island Health: 67
  • Interior Health: 107
  • Northern Health: 15
New Provincial advice and measures:
New travel/federal measures:
Media availability schedule:
Upcoming scheduled media availability with Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, will be held:
Wednesday, April 1, 2020 – 3 p.m., Victoria
Thursday, April 2, 2020 – 3 p.m., Victoria
Friday, April 3, 2020 – 3 p.m., Victoria
Resources:
Testing:
  • 42,028 individuals tested as of March 30
  • If symptoms appear, check your symptoms online: https://covid19.thrive.health
    • If needed, call your health-care provider or 811 for further guidance.
Learn More:
For the latest videos and livestreaming of COVID-19 media availabilities:
on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/
on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ProvinceofBC
on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCGovNews
For up-to-date non-medical information, including the latest travel restrictions and provincial and federal programs, call 1 888 COVID-19 or visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support
For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community, including for employers and businesses, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel)
For common questions about COVID-19 and terminology, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/common-questions
For more information and latest updates on the #COVID19 pandemic, follow the BCCDC on Twitter: @CDCofBC or visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/
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Time to Prepare for Flooding!

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:
With warm weather in the forecast, spring snow-melt (freshet) isn’t far behind. Now is the time for residents of the Cariboo Regional District to assess their property for potential drainage issues and ensure they are prepared.

“It’s important that residents take steps now to be prepared and proactively address any flooding issues on their property,” says Stuart Larson, CRD Manager of Protective Services. “We are setting up sandbagging stations in key areas, but property owners are responsible to have the tools and equipment they need to protect their properties from potential flooding.”

Unfilled bags and sand will be available at the CRD’s Wildwood and Miocene Volunteer Fire Departments for residents who are experiencing or want to be prepared for flooding. If you require sandbags, stop by the Wildwood or Miocene fire halls to pick up unfilled bags and fill them with sand. The sand and sandbags are provided free to residents for protecting their homes; however, there is a limited supply of sandbags, so residents are asked to take only what they require. Bags and sand will be placed in other communities depending on need.

Here are some additional steps residents can take to be prepared:
  1. Sign up for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System.Sign up or make sure your contact information is up-to-date at cariboord.ca. You will be notified when an emergency affects you.
  2. Assess your property and buildings for potential drainage issues.Assessing and addressing potential issues now can help avoid major problems when the snowmelt begins. Pick up sandbags if you need them and read this resource about how to use sandbags effectively.
  3. Have an emergency plan prepared for your household. Have a plan for your family members and their needs, consider how you will care for or transport pets and livestock and identify how you will get information in an emergency. Planning ahead of time will mean you can respond quickly in an emergency.
  4. Have an emergency kit prepared.Creating a home emergency kit doesn't need to take long. Follow this basic list and remember to add personal items, such as prescription medications, an extra pair of eyeglasses and copies of important documents like passports, birth certificates and insurance papers. Make sure emergency kits are in easily accessible locations.
If you are experiencing flooding issues that affect your home or business, please call the Provincial Emergency Reporting Line at 1-800-663-3456. For other concerns, contact the Cariboo Regional District at 250-392-3351 or after hours at 1-800-665-1636 (press 5).

Find more information on flood preparedness, current freshet conditions and emergency updates at:
  • Cariboo Regional District Website
  • CRD Emergency Operations Facebook Page
  • Prepared BC – Flooding Readiness Information (including sandbag info)
  • BC River Forecast Centre – Snow Conditions and Water Supply Bulletin
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Maintenance and Cleaning at Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:
During the temporary closure of the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex in response to the COVID-19 situation, staff have taken steps to complete annual maintenance and cleaning that would normally take place during the summer.
“We have taken time during this unprecedented closure to complete important tasks that would benefit our users when we re-open,” said Ian James, Director of Community Services. “The total closure has allowed us to perform essential maintenance and deep cleaning of our pool, arena and gym facilities. These tasks would normally require us to close for a period of time in the summer and interrupt our users.”
Major items that have been completed include the draining of the Sam Ketcham Pool, which has enabled staff to perform pool cleaning and maintenance alongside repairs and cleaning of the ventilation systems. Furthermore, items such as minor paint touch-ups, maintenance and repairs have been completed throughout the facility.
“We know that the closure of our facility has been hard on many of our users, but we want our patrons to know that we are working hard to be ready to welcome everyone back with excitement when this is over, and we will have a great-looking and soundly working facility for all to enjoy,”  continued James.
The City will update its residents as soon as any developments occur. For up-to-date information regarding the local response to the COVID-19 situation, with relevant links to current information, visit www.williamslake.ca/COVID-19
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Request for Essential Services Critical Supplies

Information courtesy of the Union of BC Municipalities:
The Province has requested that businesses and organizations undertake an inventory of critical supplies in their possession, including personal protective equipment, medical supplies and cleaning. Local governments are asked to share this request with businesses and organizations in their community.
The Province asks that all the supplies and associated volumes held by businesses and organization be outlined and whether each business or organization would be able to send the supplies to centralized provincial distribution facilities, located in the Lower Mainland and Victoria, for further distribution across B.C. Information on the location of these facilities will be forthcoming.
At this time, the Province is seeking quantities of 100 units or more. Businesses and organizations are asked to please return the spreadsheet by Thursday, April 2 to:
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Monday, March 30, 2020

March 30th/2020 #COVID-19 Numbers

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

 Editor's Note -- Joint Statement from BC's Health Minister, Adrian Dix & BC's Provincial Health Officer - Dr. Bonnie Henry - can be viewed here

The COVID-19 situation in British Columbia is continually evolving and the information below is current as of 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 30, 2020.
Cases:
  • Total confirmed cases in B.C.: 970
  • New cases since March 28, 2020: 86
  • Hospitalized cases: 106
  • Intensive care: 60
  • COVID-19 related deaths: 19
  • Recovered: 469
Confirmed cases by region:
  • Vancouver Coastal Health: 472
  • Fraser Health: 323
  • Island Health: 67
  • Interior Health: 94
  • Northern Health: 14
New Provincial advice and measures:
New travel/federal measures:
Media availability schedule:
Upcoming scheduled media availability with Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, PHO, will be held:
Tuesday, March 31, 2020 – 3 p.m., Victoria
Wednesday, April 1, 2020 – 3 p.m., Victoria
Thursday, April 2, 2020 – 3 p.m., Victoria
Friday, April 3, 2020 – 3 p.m., Victoria
Resources:
Testing:
  • 38,697 individuals tested as of March 28, 2020.
  • If symptoms appear check your symptoms online: https://covid19.thrive.health
  • And if needed, call your health-care provider or 811 for further guidance.
Learn More:
For the latest videos and livestreaming of COVID-19 media availabilities, visit: https://www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/
Or: https://twitter.com/BCGovNews
For up-to-date non-medical information, including the latest travel restrictions and provincial and federal programs, call 1 888 COVID-19 or visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support
For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community, including for employers and businesses, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel)
For common questions about COVID-19 and terminology, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/common-questions
For more information and latest updates on the #COVID19 pandemic, follow the BCCDC on Twitter: @CDCofBC or visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/
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Business Support Hotline coming to help Quesnel business

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:
The City of Quesnel is partnering with Community Futures North Cariboo to assist local businesses to access all available business support opportunities during the Covid-19 crisis.
A hotline is being set up, allowing businesses to call in for assistance during regular business hours. The Business Support Team, made up of representatives from the City of Quesnel, Community Futures North Cariboo, Quesnel & District Chamber of Commerce and Quesnel’s Business Improvement Associations are becoming well-versed in all available programs and will be able to help business owners to identify which programs are applicable. Using technology, they can even meet “face to face” to help walk the business through the application process.
While several funding programs have been announced, most do not open until April 6, and the hotline will go live that week. In the meantime, the Business Support Team is gathering information, and developing procedures to make the process as efficient and pain-free for the business community as possible, under the circumstances.
“Following the 2017 wildfires, we found businesses were most successful in accessing funding opportunities when they had the help of one of our business ambassadors,” says Greg Lawrence, Community Futures North Cariboo General Manager. “This program is the closest we can come to physically visiting every business in the community to make sure nobody is falling through the cracks.”
“We want to ensure every penny of funding available to our business community gets into their hands,” says Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson. “If businesses need support to access those dollars, we want to make sure they are getting it.”
Watch www.quesnel.ca and www.cfquesnel.com for more information on the Business Support Hotline as it becomes available.
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Taking steps to keep kids learning during in-class school suspension

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

 Editor's Note -- Letter from the Superintendent for School District #28(Quesnel) here and information from School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) here

New guidelines for school leaders and a new website are being introduced to support B.C.’s K-12 students while in-class education is suspended to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“This is a challenging time for families in B.C. as we work together to stop the spread of COVID-19, but it is vital students have a sense of routine and continued opportunities to learn while they are at home,” said the Hon. Rob Fleming, BC's Minister of Education. “These guidelines will ensure the needs, health and safety of students are put first as school leaders actively plan to serve the unique needs of their communities.”
While in-person classes are suspended, the B.C. school system remains open to continue to support students and families in a variety of ways. Note that parents should not bring their children to school on Monday, March 30, 2020, as they usually would after spring break.
However, essential frontline health-care workers, like those directly involved in patient care, who need urgent care for their school-aged child the week of March 30 are advised to contact their school principal as soon as possible to discuss care arrangements available during the first week back after spring break. Other parents who are deemed an essential service worker and who may need child care for their school-age children can expect to hear from their school regarding care options by Friday, April 3, 2020. Schools will be doing their best to accommodate urgent child care needs while meeting the guidelines and directives of the provincial health officer.
Since there are many students who will have challenges working online, schools have been directed to look at alternative approaches for continued learning that will fit with the individual needs and circumstances of their communities. School leaders are actively working on these plans, and families will hear from their school superintendent and/or school principal in the coming week with an update on their timelines.
Government is working with all 60 school boards, independent school authorities, First Nations schools, teachers, school leaders, support staff, public health officials and all education partners on a co-ordinated approach. Guidelines for developing education plans for students will follow these principles:
  1. Maintain a healthy and safe environment for all students, families and employees.
  2. Provide the services needed to support children of essential workers.
  3. Support vulnerable students who may need special assistance.
  4. Provide continuity of educational opportunities for all students.
These principles will also guide planning and support for students who need extra learning support or those with disabilities, important services like meal programs and child care services operating on school grounds.
“Boards of education across the province are working on ways to ensure continuity of learning in their communities,” said Stephanie Higginson, President, BC School Trustees Association. “Local boards of education understand the unique needs in each community. That local connection will be key as boards roll out plans tailored to each school district in the province.”
While teachers and schools will have primary responsibility for continuous learning, government has launched Keep Learning BC. This is a central place where families can find ideas for everyday educational activities, annotated links to free learning resources, as well as how to help children learn and how to ensure their well-being while they are at home. Keep Learning BC is available at: www.openschool.bc.ca/keeplearning/
The Keep Learning BC website will have helpful guides to maintain routines and stay safe online, giving parents information about how talk to their children about COVID-19, along with other mental health resources to manage stress or anxiety. A comprehensive set of frequently asked questions is also available, with continuous updates about school services and programs as things progress: www.gov.bc.ca/safeschools/
Fleming added, “While it’s important for kids to keep learning, there is no expectation that we can duplicate a normal school day at home, and every family will need to figure out what works best for them, in discussion with their children’s teachers. I understand that many children are experiencing anxiety, while also missing their teachers and friends, and that’s why it’s important they know the actions we’re taking are designed to keep everyone safe, and we will return to regular school life down the road. By working together and supporting each other, we will get through this.”
The Hon. Adrian Dix, BC's Minister of Health, said, “We are proud of the parents, families and school communities who are working together to keep their children safely at home, and recognize how important it is for children to have continued learning opportunities in these challenging times. Parents who are health-care workers are also eagerly waiting for support, and it’s our job to work as a team to make sure they can continue their essential services.”
More Information:
  • On March 17, 2020, under the direction of the provincial health officer, all schools were ordered to immediately suspend in-class instruction until further notice. 
  • Every student in K-12 will receive a final mark for the 2019-20 school year, and all students who are on track to move to the next grade will do so in the fall. Every student eligible to graduate from Grade 12 this school year will also graduate. On average, about 45,000 students graduate every year.
  • The Ministry of Education is also working across government to ensure all students graduating high school will have a smooth transition to post-secondary education.
Learn More:
Students, parents, guardians and teachers can find learning resources and accurate, timely information about schools, programs and educational services, including regularly updated frequently asked questions at: www.gov.bc.ca/SafeSchools/
A new website is constantly being updated with the latest information: www.gov.bc.ca/COVID19
The best source of COVID-19 health information can be found at the BC Centre for Disease Control website: http://www.bccdc.ca/
For non-health-related questions, please visit www.gov.bc.ca/COVID19, email servicebc@gov.bc.ca, or call 1 888 COVID-19
For those who think they have symptoms of COVID-19, the Ministry of Health has developed an online self-assessment tool at: https://covid19.thrive.health
People with symptoms can also call 811 to pre-arrange health testing.
If children are struggling with a problem big or small, encourage them to call the Kids Help Line, a free resource available at 1 800 668-6868.
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Sunday, March 29, 2020

Province supporting B.C.’s food banks during COVID-19

Courtesy of the Government of BC:
To support vulnerable British Columbians during the COVID-19 crisis, the Province is providing a $3-million emergency grant from the Community Gaming Grants program to Food Banks British Columbia.
Food Banks British Columbia will distribute the money among food banks provincewide to support their immediate needs to buy and distribute food, pay employees and cover other costs essential to the delivery of their food programs. Food Banks BC was selected to distribute the funding because of its expertise in management of food distribution.
“We know that many British Columbia families count on food banks to supplement their weekly grocery needs. To help ensure that people continue to have access to the food they need, our government is taking steps by supporting B.C. food banks so they can, in turn, keep meeting the needs of the people in the communities they serve,” said Mable Elmore, Parliamentary Secretary for Poverty Reduction. “Using funds from the gaming grants program is an example of how government and non-profit partners are working together to respond to the evolving nature of the pandemic, easing the burden on B.C.’s food banks and helping people who are feeling the strain of the COVID-19 crisis.”
Food Banks BC will assess the needs and requirements of food banks to determine the amount and timing of the distribution. Funds will be distributed quickly and equitably to food banks across all regions of the province. 
“British Columbia’s not-for-profit food banks provide a critical service for vulnerable people in our communities, especially during this most challenging time,” said the Hon. Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “During times like these, we need to help each other as much as possible. This community gaming grant will help relieve hunger and provide support for the people in our province who need it most.”
The $3-million grant uses funding that remained in the Community Gaming Grant’s 2019-20 budget of $140 million after all 2019 community gaming grants had been awarded to or approved for eligible organizations.

“This grant will make a tremendous impact in communities all over B.C. and ensure that food banks can keep their doors open and continue to meet the needs of the vulnerable, who particularly need their assistance at this time,” said Laura Lansink, executive director, Food Banks BC. “We sincerely thank the Province for this encouraging and vital assistance to Food Banks BC.”

The grant to Food Banks BC is in alignment with the ministerial order issued March 26, 2020, under the Emergency Program Act, to protect B.C.’s most vulnerable, making it easier to support critical services for vulnerable people, like food banks and shelters.
In response to concerns raised by food banks about capacity to respond to the urgent need in their communities, the order removes barriers to business to allow: drive-through and delivery opportunities, larger hampers, increased home delivery capability and removes the requirement to present identification. These measures will make it easier for food banks to operate in this challenging time when more people are using their services.
This is one in a series of ministerial orders to ensure a co-ordinated response to COVID-19 across all levels of government for the duration of the provincial emergency.
These latest steps are part of government’s $5-billion COVID-19 Action Plan to provide income supports, tax relief and direct funding for people, businesses and services.
Quick Facts:
  • Food Banks BC is B.C.’s provincial association of food banks that represents and supports food banks across the province.
  • Every year, commercial gaming generates revenue that the Government of B.C. invests in key services.
    • These investments support organizations in the areas of health care and education, arts and culture groups, sports, environment, public safety, human and social services, as well as parent advisory councils in schools throughout B.C.
  • Up to $140 million of the revenue generated is directed into the community through the Community Gaming Grants program that supports about 5,000 community organizations each year.
Learn More:
B.C.’s COVID Action Plan and other government resources and updates: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19
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Saturday, March 28, 2020

March 28th/20 #COVID19 Numbers

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

 Editor's Note -- Joint Statement by BC's Health Minister, Adrian Dix & BC's Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry can be viewed here.  Next updated numbers to be available on Monday, March 30th. 
The COVID-19 situation in British Columbia is continually evolving and the information below is current as of noon on Saturday, March 28, 2020.
Cases:
  • Total confirmed cases in B.C.: 884
  • New cases since March 27, 2020: 92
  • Hospitalized cases: 81
  • Intensive care: 52
  • COVID-19 related deaths: 17
  • Recovered: 396
Confirmed cases by region:
  • Vancouver Coastal Health: 444
  • Fraser Health: 291
  • Island Health: 60
  • Interior Health: 77
  • Northern Health: 12
New provincial advice and measures:
  • Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, has made an order on farmers markets. All episodic vending markets (also known as “farmers’ markets” or “community markets”) must only allow vendors to serve food to be sold at these events. Vendors of all other merchandise are prohibited at these events.
  • Critical care and acute care hospitalization modelling information from Henry and deputy health minister, Stephen Brown: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/COVID19_Technical_Briefing_Condensed.pdf
New travel/federal measures:
Media availability schedule:
Upcoming scheduled media availability with Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Henry will be held:
Monday, March 30, 2020 – 1:30 p.m., Victoria
Tuesday, March 31, 2020 – 3 p.m., Victoria
Wednesday, April 1, 2020 – 3 p.m., Victoria
Thursday, April 2, 2020 – 3 p.m., Victoria
Friday, April 3, 2020 – 3 p.m., Victoria
Resources:
Testing:
  • 34,561 individuals tested, as of March 25, 2020.
  • Testing capacity in British Columbia has increased to approximately 3,500 tests per day.
  • Across Canada, there are more than 10,000 tests per day.
  • If symptoms appear, call your health-care provider, call 811 for guidance or check your symptoms online: https://covid19.thrive.health
Learn More:
For the latest videos and livestreaming of COVID-19 media availabilities, visit: https://www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/
Or: https://twitter.com/BCGovNews
For up-to-date non-medical information, including the latest travel restrictions and provincial and federal programs, call 1 888 COVID-19 or visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support
For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community, including for employers and businesses, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel)
For common questions about COVID-19 and terminology, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/common-questions
For more information and latest updates on the #COVID19 pandemic, follow the BCCDC on Twitter: @CDCofBC or visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/
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BC COVID-19 support for arts and culture sector

Courtesy of the Government of BC:
The Hon. Lisa Beare, BC's Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has released the following statement about immediate responses to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) for the arts and culture sector:
“COVID-19 and the need for physical distancing has had a significant impact on everyone, including those in the arts sector. Arts organizations right away responded to the orders, direction and recommendations from the provincial health officer, showing great leadership by cancelling events, performances and festivals to protect people’s health. We understand this has had a significant impact on artists, their families and arts organizations.
“My colleague Bob D’Eith, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission, and I have been in regular contact with arts and culture leaders to understand their initial needs during this pandemic.
“To support the people and organizations in the arts sector, we have developed a $3-million Arts and Culture Resilience Supplement to be administered by the BC Arts Council. Operating and eligible project clients will receive a supplement of up to $15,000 in early April to help them pay their bills.
“Starting in April 2020, the BC Arts Council will provide operating clients a 50% advance on 2020-21 funding to help with their cash flow. We are also extending application deadlines, relaxing reporting requirements and allowing organizations to use funding to cover immediate needs like rent and utilities.
“These actions build on our government’s COVID-19 Action Plan. The new BC Emergency Benefit for Workers allows people in the arts sector, who have had their income affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, to apply for a one-time payment of $1,000. Our government’s financial support plan includes several actions that arts organizations are eligible for, such as delaying tax filing and payment deadlines.
“This is a first, but very necessary, step. These measures are what we can do right away within the existing BC Arts Council budget to help arts organizations during the pandemic. We will have more to announce regarding additional supports for the sector in the weeks ahead.”
Learn More:
The BC Arts Council’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
https://www.bcartscouncil.ca/funding/covid-19-updates-and-faq/
Follow the BC Arts Council:
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritishColumbiaArtsCouncil/
OnTwitter: https://twitter.com/BCArtsCouncil
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City of Quesnel Announcements - March 27th/2020

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

1) March 31st Special Council meeting closed to the public

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, City Hall is closed to the public, and therefore the public or media will not be able to attend the March 31, 2020 Council Meeting. The March 31, 2020 Regular Council meeting has been changed to Special Council meeting that will be held electronically via video conference. The video recording of this meeting will be placed on the City’s website for the public to access on Wednesday, April 1. The media have been invited to attend via video conference.

These changes are in accordance with the Order of the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Ministerial Order M083 (see here) dated March 26, 2020, regarding the Provincial State of Emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic.

We realize this is not ideal, but the City is taking the necessary steps to reduce the spread of the Coronaviurs. The health and safety of the public, media, City Council and Staff are our top priority.

2) Quesnel Landfill and Recycling Centre temporarily change hours of operation

Beginning Tuesday, March 31, the Quesnel Landfill and Recycling Centre hours of operation will temporarily change to 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. The Quesnel Landfill and Recycling Centre will continue to operate Tuesday through Sunday and close on statutory holidays.

These changes are due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Provincial sanitization and social distancing guidelines are in place at both locations.

3) Considerations for the homeless

The City is concerned about the safety and wellbeing of all our residents and recognize there are specific considerations for our most vulnerable. We have been asked to improve washroom access, increase public sanitation stations, and consider the establishment of a homeless camp.

The City has been in touch with the shelter and BC Housing and have requested they keep us informed as to their needs. They have advised they have limited their services to emergency shelter and report serving up to 35 people through such. Consideration for how to properly manage shelter environments is occurring at the provincial level. We have requested they keep us updated regularly as to their situation.

Through working with various service agencies we understand that the individuals not accessing emergency shelter services are persons whom have been denied access to the facility due to unmanageable behaviours or are uncomfortable in a group environment. We have been requested to allow these individuals to remain in place as much as possible. We are analyzing every situation as it presents itself in light of this pandemic and will take steps as is our normal practice to not to increase stress on individuals but rather work with partnering agencies to assist them in improving their current situation. We have had no communication that there is a population to be served by a camp at this time.

Unfortunately there has been situations during this crisis where we have had to take action due to partying, fires, and the accumulation of significant amounts of flammable materials. We will continue to ensure safety and order in our public spaces.

There are public washrooms in the City of which we have increased our sanitation and maintenance: Spirit Square Centre; Sugar Loaf Dog Park; and along the River Walk near the women’s memorial. We have made explicit decisions to maintain these as operational to ensure access for those in need. We will continue operation of these facilities as long as it does not pose health risks to our staff.

Due to this pandemic we are having difficulty sourcing sanitization supplies. We are doing what we can to use our limited supplies for facilities that have continued operations. Unfortunately due to vandalism we do not have sanitation units in the sugar loaf or women’s memorial washroom units. We have begun discussions regarding where sanitation stations ought to go if we are able to obtain additional units.

We are working to educate members of the public on the Public Health Officers orders and recommendations through various media including through our Bylaw Enforcement Officers. Bylaw Staff have developed relationships with and have regular communications with individuals who are vulnerable.

The homeless population is one of many populations the City is attempting to support at this time. We are relying on the organizations that are charged and resourced to support these individuals to ramp up their resources and clearly identify and communicate where they are not meeting needs. We will continue to work with those agencies and seek the additional supports our community needs.

As with all levels of government and organizations we are continually assessing needs of the community and making the best efforts to respond to evolving circumstances in this crisis.
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March 27th, 2020 #COVID19 Update

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

 Editor's Note -- Joint Statement of BC's Health Minister, Adrian Dix & BC's Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry - can be viewed here

The COVID-19 situation in British Columbia is continually evolving and the information below is current as of 3:30 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2020.
Cases:
  • Total confirmed cases in B.C.: 792
  • New cases since March 26, 2020: 67
  • Hospitalized cases: 73
  • COVID-19 related deaths: 16
  • Recovered: 275
Confirmed cases by region:
  • Vancouver Coastal Health: 391
  • Fraser Health: 262
  • Island Health: 57
  • Interior Health: 70
  • Northern Health: 12
Testing:
  • Testing capacity in British Columbia has increased to approximately 3,500 tests per day.
  • 34,561 individuals tested as of March 25, 2020.
  • Across Canada, there are more than 10,000 tests per day.
  • Testing is available for all who need it, but not everyone requires a test.
    • If you have no symptoms, mild symptoms or you are a returning traveller self-isolating at home, you do not require a test.
    • For each of these situations, the public health advice remains the same, regardless of test results: self-isolate for 10 days to monitor for the development of symptoms or until your symptoms are completely gone.
  • Those who have severe illness, require hospitalization, are residents of long-term care facilities or are health-care workers will continue to be tested.
    • Anyone part of an active investigation or outbreak cluster will be tested so they can be appropriately monitored.
  • If symptoms appear, call your health-care provider, call 811 for guidance or check your symptoms online: https://covid19.thrive.health
Provincial advice and measures:
Media availability schedule:
Upcoming scheduled media availability with Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Henry will be held:
Saturday, March 28, 2020 – noon, Victoria
Public health emergency:
  • Under a provincial health emergency, a provincial health officer, among other emergency powers, may:
    • do orally what must otherwise be done in writing;
    • serve an order in any manner;
    • act in a shorter or longer time period than is otherwise required; and
    • compel any peace officer to enforce an order.
Travel/federal measures:
Resources:
Learn More:
For the latest videos and livestreaming of COVID-19 media availabilities, visit: https://www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/
Or: https://twitter.com/BCGovNews
For up-to-date non-medical information, including the latest travel restrictions and provincial and federal programs, call 1 888 COVID-19 or visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support
For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community, including for employers and businesses, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel)
For common questions about COVID-19 and terminology, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/common-questions
For more information and latest updates on the #COVID19 pandemic, follow the BCCDC on Twitter: @CDCofBC or visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/
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