Cariboo-Chilcotin Politics

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

April 27th, 2021 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

Joint Statement from BC's Provincial Health Officer/Minister of Health (Dr. Bonnie Henry/Hon. Adrian Dix):

“Today, we are reporting 799 new cases, for a total of 127,048 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 8,089 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, with 11,792 people under public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases. A further 117,150 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Of the active cases, 500 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 164 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Since we last reported, we have had 121 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 534 new cases in the Fraser Health region, 28 in the Island Health region, 96 in the Interior Health region, 16 in the Northern Health region and four new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There have been no new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 1,571 deaths in British Columbia. Our condolences are with the family, friends and caregivers of the people who have died as a result of COVID-19.

“1,671,128 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in B.C., 89,457 of which are second doses.

“The first step for everyone is to register for their vaccine. Everyone in B.C. who is 18 years and older is now eligible to do so on the Get Vaccinated website.

“In our age-based program, anyone 59 and older can now take the next step of booking their appointment. We encourage you to do that right away. Our worker program continues with targeted clinics underway. This program will be further expanded as significantly more vaccine starts to arrive in our province next week.

“Health authorities are also using the available vaccine supply to target 'hot spot' communities that have been hardest hit by COVID-19 with dedicated clinics in many locations.

“Our limited AstraZeneca supply is being used in some of these 'hot spots,' as well as for our provincewide pharmacy program. Starting today, the AstraZeneca vaccine will be available to anyone 30 and older, starting with some of the ‘hot spot’ community clinics. As we receive enough AstraZeneca to add appointments at pharmacies, it will be made available to anyone in the province aged 30 and older.

“We know demand for the AstraZeneca vaccine is high in many areas. Unfortunately, available supply through pharmacies in some regions will continue to be limited until additional supplies come in.

“Whether you had your vaccine last month, or are booked for the days ahead, we remind everyone to continue to use all of your layers of protection, to stay small and stay local until we have COVID-19 where we want and need it to be.”

Learn More:

For more information about current COVID-19 travel restrictions, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/travel/current

Provincial health officer's orders and guidance:

Orders: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

Guidance on restrictions: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions

The latest vaccine information:

For vaccine information, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) dashboard: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data Or: www.bccdc.ca

The latest updates, guidance and information on COVID-19, and where to get tested:

The latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and to find a testing centre near you: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

For data regarding ongoing outbreaks in long-term care, assisted-living and independent-living facilities in B.C., visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data#outbreak

Mental health support:

Mental health and anxiety support: www.bouncebackbc.ca
Or: www.anxietycanada.com
Or: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/about-covid-19/mental-well-being-during-covid-19
Or: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/virtual-supports-covid-19

Non-health related information:

Financial, child care and education support, travel, transportation and essential service information: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19
Or call 1 888 COVID19 (1 888 268-4319) between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Pacific time), seven days a week.

COVID-19 exposure events, updates and information by health authority:

BCCDC (flights, work sites, etc.): http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/public-exposures
Fraser Health: fraserhealth.ca/covid19exposure
Interior Health: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/public-exposures/
Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/outbreaks-and-exposures
Northern Health: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/outbreaks-and-exposures
Vancouver Coastal Health: http://www.vch.ca/covid-19/public-exposures

For the latest videos and livestreaming of COVID-19 media availabilities, visit:
Facebook: https://facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCGovNews
YouTube: https://youtube.com/ProvinceofBC

BC State of Emergency extended to continue B.C.’s COVID-19 response to May 11th

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

The Province of British Columbia has formally extended the provincial state of emergency, allowing health and emergency management officials to continue to use extraordinary powers under the Emergency Program Act (EPA) to support the Province's COVID-19 pandemic response.

The state of emergency is extended through the end of the day on May 11, 2021, to allow staff to take the necessary actions to keep British Columbians safe and manage immediate concerns and COVID-19 outbreaks.

“With over 1.5 million British Columbians already vaccinated and tens of thousands more joining them each day, the end of this pandemic is in sight. But we’re not there yet,” said BC Premier John Horgan. “I know how hard people have been working to keep others safe. The final mile of this pandemic is proving more difficult, but if we all keep doing our part to follow public health orders, including staying close to home, we will get through this sooner rather than later.”

The extension of the provincial state of emergency is based on recommendations from B.C.’s health and emergency management officials. The original declaration was made on March 18, 2020, the day after Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer (PHO), declared a public health emergency.

“So many British Columbians are doing their part, but there are too many who just aren’t getting the message,” said the Hon. Mike Farnworth, BC Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Every time someone thinks the public health orders don’t apply to them, or that they can bend the rules just this once, it sets us all back. We have orders in place to keep people safe and bring us through to the end of this pandemic. Now we have new travel restrictions in place, and people need to follow these orders – not just because we will enforce these orders, but because it’s the right thing to do.”

The Province continues, with the support of police and other enforcement officials, to use measures under the EPA to limit the spread of COVID-19, including issuing tickets for owners, operators and event organizers who host an event or gathering contravening the PHO’s orders.

On July 10, 2020, the COVID-19 Related Measures Act came into force, enabling provisions created for citizens and businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to continue as needed should the provincial state of emergency end.

Learn More:

On Dec. 16, 2020, enforcement measures were expanded.
Details are available here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PREM0108-002083

On Nov. 24, 2020, a mask enforcement order was introduced under the EPA, requiring masks for people over the age of 12 in public indoor settings, unless they are exempt.
Details are available here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EMBC0061-001960

For information on all recent orders and guidance, as well as general COVID-19 information for all British Columbians, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19

For more information and latest medical updates on COVID-19, follow the BC Centre for Disease Control on Twitter @CDCofBC or visit the centre‘s website: http://www.bccdc.ca/

April 2021 Pics - Williams Lake Cut Off Road

Yesterday -- I toured Williams Lake Cut Off Road which is within #CaribooRD Area D. This road could be used as an alternate road access if Highway 97 North near Blue Lake and further south were to be shutdown for any reason...

Pictures from my road trip yesterday can be viewed here. For the most part, the road is in good shape except for a small part, just west of the Deep Creek (Hawks Creek) Bridge along Williams Lake Cut Off Road which is single lane alone, due to active land movement in this area.... no word when the road will be improved for 2 lane access

Final Lessons from 100 Mile House Ec Dev Survey

Courtesy of the District of 100 Mile House:

In our fourth and final edition of highlights from the Economic Development Survey we will focus on final lessons gathered from business responses.

By the deadline, 414 local residents and business owners had responded to the survey and half of all the business responses came from 100 Mile House. Business responses could be broken into the following categories:

* 14% were in the Forestry sector

* 13% in Professional Services

* 13% in Retail

* 12% in the Tourism sector

53% primarily service a local customer base;

24% serve customers from outside the region

10% provide international service;

41% of the business responses were home-based.

Joanne Doddridge, Director of Economic Development and Planning said

“Of particular interest to the District were comments from business owners reflecting interest in training programs to help business growth, and willingness to work in a co-working space (36%). Both of these activities are specific programs and activities that the District can address through partnerships and examples from other jurisdictions.”

Additional feedback included comments on much needed improved broadband throughout the region and the District is pleased to be working with the CRD on projects that support this activity. As well, start-up funds ranked as the highest need for starting a new business followed by the need for less municipal regulations.

100 Mile House Mayor Mitch Campsall also said:

“It was exciting to see the variety of features that community members felt would complement our amazing community. With 73% of all respondents considering Tourism to be a key economic driver, suggestions ranged from expanded festivals to upgraded trails, outdoor music and sporting events – features and partnerships that will be important once the province comes out of COVID and we welcome tourists and new families to our community.”

The District has now completed a number of steps towards updating the Economic Development Strategy. With an expected completion date of May 2021, work continues on building an inclusive and effective economic development program.

Ground broken on Caretaker House at Whispering Willows Campsite

Courtesy of Xat'sull First Nation (Soda Creek Indian Band):

Kukwpi7 Xat'sull FN/Soda Creek Indian Band (Chief) Sheri Sellars - far right

With great enthusiasm, Kukwpi7 (Chief) Sheri Sellars helped John E. Phillips and Krista Phillips break ground for a Caretaker House at Whispering Willows Campground on Friday, April 23.

The Caretaker House is being built as part of the Sawmill – ‘Let’s Build a House’ training program, supported by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training and the Cariboo Chilcotin Aboriginal Training Employment Centre.

Through the 16-week program 10 local First Nations (including John Phillips and Krista Phillips) are picking up a host of new skills including safety certificates, architectural design, project management, milling the wood for the house, equipment operation and introductions to construction trades.

“This is an exciting step for the program and it’s great to see all the skills they’ve picked up already,” says Sellars.

“I’m eagerly looking forward to see how the program and students develop from here.”

The program is administered by Cheryl Chapman, Economic Development & Employment Coordinator, and Craig Kennedy, a Forestry and Safety Consultant hired by the Band

Monday, April 26, 2021

April 26th, 2021 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

Joint Statement from BC's Provincial Health Officer/Minister of Health (Dr. Bonnie Henry/Hon. Adrian Dix):

“Today, we are reporting on three periods: from April 23 to 24, we had 881 new cases, from April 24 to 25, we had 847 new cases and in the last 24 hours, we had a further 763 new cases.

“This results in 2,491 new cases over these periods, for a total of 126,249 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 8,199 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, with 12,340 people under public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases. A further 116,241 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Of the active cases, 484 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 158 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Since we last reported, we have had 466 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 1,632 new cases in the Fraser Health region, 82 in the Island Health region, 206 in the Interior Health region, 104 in the Northern Health region and one new case of a person who resides outside of Canada.

“There have been 17 new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 1,571 deaths in British Columbia. Our condolences are with the family, friends and caregivers of the people who have died as a result of COVID-19.

“There has been one new health-care outbreak at Orchard Haven (Interior).

“1,635,372 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in B.C., 89,035 of which are second doses.

“We encourage everyone to register on the Get Vaccinated website – whether they are getting their vaccine as part of the age-based program, worker program or at their local pharmacy. Everyone 18 years and older is now eligible to register for their vaccine.

“We all need to stay within our local community and not travelling for recreation or vacation between or within the three regional zones set out in the non-essential travel order.

“Any travel to another community for anything that is not essential puts you, your family and the communities you are visiting at risk.

“Communities – especially smaller communities with limited health-care services – are asking for your support and assistance to slow the spread of COVID-19 by staying away, even if it is to go to a second home.

“Let’s stay close to home and follow all the provincial health and public safety orders all the time. Let’s always use our safety layers and get vaccinated as soon as we are eligible. This is what will help us reduce the burden on our health-care system and get us closer to a better summer.”

Learn More:

For more information about current COVID-19 travel restrictions, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/travel/current

Provincial health officer's orders and guidance:

Orders: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

Guidance on restrictions: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions

The latest vaccine information:

For vaccine information, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) dashboard: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data Or: www.bccdc.ca

The latest updates, guidance and information on COVID-19, and where to get tested:

The latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and to find a testing centre near you: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

For data regarding ongoing outbreaks in long-term care, assisted-living and independent-living facilities in B.C., visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data#outbreak

Mental health support:

Non-health related information:

COVID-19 exposure events, updates and information by health authority:

For the latest videos and livestreaming of COVID-19 media availabilities, visit:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCGovNews
YouTube: www.youtube.com/ProvinceofBC

BC increases funding/expanded eligibility to help almost 20,000 businesses during current COVID-19 Restrictions

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

The B.C. government is adding more than $75 million to the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant, bringing the amount available for hard-hit B.C. businesses to more than $125 million.

The grant remains open to the 14,000 restaurants, bars, breweries, wineries, gyms and fitness facilities impacted by the March 31, 2021, provincial health officer’s orders. The orders remain in place until May 25.

The grant is now also open to the more than 5,300 hotels, motels and other short-term accommodations impacted by the April 23 emergency order to restrict travel between B.C.’s regional zones.

With this funding in place, almost 20,000 businesses can apply for relief through the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant.

“For many B.C. businesses, the next few weeks will be some of the toughest since the pandemic began,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “These additional funds will help businesses cover costs like rent and employee wages to help them through this difficult stretch. We hope for better days ahead for B.C. businesses and to be able to have the kind of summer we all want.”

With the increased funding, the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant will provide a total investment of $100 million to continue to support the restaurants, bars, breweries, wineries, gyms and fitness facilities impacted by the extended provincial health officer’s orders.

“Businesses have been through a lot over the past year, and we want them to know that while they are doing their part to help keep everyone safe, we’ll continue to be there for them with financial support to carry them through,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Finance. “With another $75 million in relief grants available and an expanded eligibility criteria to include accommodation providers, this latest round of funding will support businesses through this difficult period.”

The grant has been clarified to include high-intensity fitness facilities that were partially or fully closed as a result of the provincial health officer’s orders issued in November 2020 and updated on March 31, 2021.

Almost $25 million is available to the hotels, motels and other B.C. owned short-term accommodation providers affected by the recent travel restrictions.

“People in the tourism and hospitality sectors are facing significant challenges as their businesses and livelihood continue to be under extreme pressure from COVID-19,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “We are providing these supports to ensure these businesses can not only continue to create jobs and drive local economies, but also to protect this province’s legacy as a world-renowned destination when it’s safe to welcome visitors back to B.C.”

With the increased funding, eligible businesses will receive up to $20,000 to help with expenses like employee wages, rent, maintenance and utilities. The individual amount a business received will be based on the number of employees.

Businesses that previously applied for, or received the grant that opened on April 12, 2021, do not need to apply again. They will automatically receive the additional funding.

Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications will be accepted until June 4, 2021, or when the funds are disbursed.

The Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant is one of the ways the B.C. government is continuing to support businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic, while building towards a more innovative, sustainable and inclusive economic future.

Learn More:

For more information on the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant, including the application process and eligibility, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/business-relief

For more information on the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant program, including the application process and eligibility, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/economic-recovery/business-recovery-grant

For more information on StrongerBC, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/

Details on the "Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant" here

Friday, April 23, 2021

Local Government Mtgs - Wk of April 26-30

Next week -- the following local governments of the Cariboo-Chilcotin are meeting as follows:

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Regular Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, April 27th at 6:30pm, via livestream. On the Agenda:

* Presentation of 2021-22 Budget

* Report of Superintendent

* Committee Reports

* Presentation -- Jr RCMP Academy

* Report from Trustee Martens re: Trustee Activity Report

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 27th at 6pm livestreamed on the City's YouTube account here. On the Agenda:

* Delegations -- a) Natalie Anderson re Support for Re-Opening of Indoor Dining & Places of Worship; b) Introduction to Sylvia Dubray, Well-Being & Community Safety Coordinator & Presentation of Community Well-Being Safety Plan

* 2021 Municipal Tax Rate Bylaw No. 2348, 2021 -- For 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings

* Development Cost Charge Reserve Fund Expenditures Bylaw No. 2349 -- For 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings

* Financial Information Act - 2020 Statement of Financial Information

* Fee for Service Application - Five Stones Community Outreach (formerly Youth for Christ)

* Development Permit Application - DP #02-2020 - Janda Group - 2nd Floor Redevelopment for 82 Residential Units - 850 Oliver Street (Boitanio Mall) - Consideration of Approval

* Development Variance Permit Application - DVP #01-2021 - Halvorsen - Parking Reduction for Secondary Suite - 117-375 Mandarino Place - Consideration to either deny or approve the DVP

* Audiovisual and Telecommunication Upgrades in Council Chambers

* Poll of Council - Gibraltar Mine Lay-Off Letter (Approved 6-1 with Councillor M. Brenner against)

* Public Works Contracts

* Terra Ridge Village Strata re Hodgson Road Area Slide/Establish an Advisory Group

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District:

Central Cariboo Joint Committee - Regular Meeting on Wednesday, April 28th at 5:30pm, via electronic means. On the Agenda:

* GMHL and WSHL Facility Use Agreement of CMRC/Ice Arena

* Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex Outdoor Electronic Display Sign

* Report of Central Cariboo Rural Caucus to respectfully deny CRD Funding of Parks Within the City of Williams Lake boundaries (verbally reported at the Feb 24th, 2021 Central Cariboo Joint Committee)

View the full Agenda here

April 23rd, 2021 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

Joint Statement from BC's Provincial Health Officer/Minister of Health (Dr. Bonnie Henry/Hon. Adrian Dix):

“Today, we are reporting 1,001 new cases, for a total of 123,758 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 8,842 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, with 12,608 people under public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases. A further 113,139 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Of the active cases, 486 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 160 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Since we last reported, we have had 215 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 626 new cases in the Fraser Health region, 26 in the Island Health region, 93 in the Interior Health region, 39 in the Northern Health region and two new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There have been four new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 1,554 deaths in British Columbia. Our condolences are with the family, friends and caregivers of the people who have died as a result of COVID-19.

“There are two new health-care outbreaks at Craigdarroch Care Centre (Island) and Sandalwood Retirement Resort (Interior).

“In B.C., 1,542,066 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines have been administered, 88,663 of which are second doses.

“We must all continue our efforts to keep communities safe, protect our loved ones and support B.C.’s health-care system from the pressures COVID-19 places upon it.

“Today, the Province has issued a new order to limit non-essential travel in B.C. Under the Emergency Program Act, non-essential travel is prohibited between three regional zones in the province, using health authority boundaries. These zones are the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley (Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health), Vancouver Island (Island Health) and the Interior and North (Interior and Northern Health).

“The message remains the same – by staying in our local communities, we will prevent the spread of this virus and move forward together to a time when it is behind us.

“With this order, the Province is also working with partners to increase highway signage along the border with Alberta, with BC Ferries to restrict non-essential vehicle passage and with tourism and accommodation industry associations to support operators and businesses in declining bookings from outside of their regional zones.

“Now is the time to stay close to home and to get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible, to keep yourself, your family and your community safe.”

Learn More:

For more information about current COVID-19 travel restrictions, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/travel/current

Provincial health officer's orders and guidance:

Orders: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

Guidance on restrictions: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions

The latest vaccine information:

For vaccine information, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) dashboard: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data Or: www.bccdc.ca

The latest updates, guidance and information on COVID-19, and where to get tested:

The latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and to find a testing centre near you: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

For data regarding ongoing outbreaks in long-term care, assisted-living and independent-living facilities in B.C., visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data#outbreak

Mental health support:

Non-health related information:

COVID-19 exposure events, updates and information by health authority:

BCCDC (flights, work sites, etc): http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/public-exposures
Fraser Health: fraserhealth.ca/covid19exposure
Interior Health: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/public-exposures/
Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/outbreaks-and-exposures
Northern Health: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/outbreaks-and-exposures
Vancouver Coastal Health: http://www.vch.ca/covid-19/public-exposures

Joint BC Tourism Statement -- Please Stay Home for Now!

Joint Statement -- Hon. Melanie Mark (BC Tourism, Art, Culture Minister), Indigenous Tourism BC, BC Hotel Association, BC Tourism Industry Association & Destination BC

“As the number of people with COVID-19 in B.C. continues to rise, we are asking British Columbians to not travel outside their local communities in order to help stop further spread of the virus.

“People working at hotels, motels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, transportation services, attractions and adventure tourism operations, Indigenous travel providers, restaurants, bars, cafes and many other travel-related businesses throughout the province are struggling following a difficult year of border closures and non-essential travel restrictions. While the tourism and hospitality sector has done an amazing job implementing rigorous health and safety plans to keep its staff and visitors safe, COVID-19 takes every opportunity to spread. Unnecessary travel is too risky right now.

“We are asking British Columbians to listen to Dr. Henry and follow all provincial health and solicitor general orders.

“Each of us must make difficult decisions in our daily lives to do the right thing. We cannot gather indoors with people outside our immediate households and we must avoid travel for leisure so we can bend the curve down again. The many people and businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry in B.C. need each of us to follow the rules without exception. Their livelihood depends on us all doing our part now so some travel can safely resume this summer and set these businesses on the road to recovery.

“Let’s support local businesses today by ordering take out, eating with our immediate household on a patio, picking up a coffee and enjoying it at a local park, visiting a local attraction or booking a staycation at a local hotel. Now is not the time to travel for leisure and risk spreading COVID-19.

“The list of essential travel activities, which are permitted between regional zones, is included under the emergency program order, available here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/24287

“At this time, we must listen to local communities that do not wish to welcome visitors yet. We have heard from many communities that are worried about the virus, its impact on their residents and health-care services, and have asked people not to visit. We must respect the wishes of Indigenous communities and First Nations given the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19. Know before you go is a great resource if you have any questions: https://www.hellobc.com/know-before-you-go

“We are at a pivotal moment in our province and we must act now to protect the health-care system. We must stay local now so we can get back to travelling across our beautiful province and once again welcome visitors.”

Help us spread the message: #WeAreAllConnected; #StayLocalSupportLocal #BCTourismCounts; #SaveOurSummer.

BC introduces travel restrictions to curb spread of COVID-19

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

To help keep communities safe and protect British Columbia’s health-care system from COVID-19, the Province is introducing travel restrictions that limit non-essential travel in B.C.

On the advice of Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer (PHO), Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has issued a new order using the extraordinary powers of the Emergency Program Act to prohibit non-essential travel between three regional zones in the province, using health authority boundaries. The regional zones are:

Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley (Fraser Health and Coastal Health regions);
Vancouver Island (Island Health region); and
Northern/Interior (Interior Health and Northern Health regions).

While the order puts legal limits only on travel between regional zones, the PHO’s guidance remains unchanged throughout B.C.: everyone should continue to stay within their local community – essential travel only.

This order will be in effect from April 23 through May 25, 2021, (after the May long weekend). It applies to everyone in the province, including non-essential travellers from outside the province.

“The new variant strains are infecting more people and resulting in record levels of hospitalizations that place a growing strain on the front-line health workers who have been here for us throughout this pandemic. To help protect them and our communities, we must do more to discourage travel and begin to enforce restrictions on non-essential travel,” Farnworth said. “While this new legal order targets those who are travelling across regional zones for recreational purposes, the advice from Dr. Henry to stay local remains in place everywhere in B.C. Do not go to Whistler or Tofino – even on a day trip. Everyone should stay close to home.”

This order applies to non-essential travel. There are circumstances where travel is essential and permissible, such as attending school or work, the commercial transportation of goods, returning to a principal residence, accessing child care, obtaining health care or assisting someone to receive health care. (A full list follows in a backgrounder.)

“Community transmission and COVID-19 cases – including variants of concern – have increased in our health authorities, with many cases being linked to non-essential travel within B.C.,” Henry said. “I am calling on everyone to stay in their local communities and support these travel restrictions to stop the most dangerous travel across regional zones to control the spread of COVID-19 and support our front-line health-care workers.”

To help ensure this travel restriction is effective, the Province is also working with:

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure – on highway signage and increasing signage along the border with Alberta;
BC Ferries – to restrict non-essential vehicle passage, deter non-essential bookings and limit sailings;
tourism and accommodation industry association leaders – to strongly encourage all operators/businesses to support the order by declining new bookings from outside their regional zones and cancelling existing bookings from outside their regional zones;
BC Parks – to inform the public about restrictions and refund bookings where necessary; and
police departments – on establishing enforcement measures in the coming days.

The goal of this order will be education and further discouraging people from travelling for non-essential reasons. In the coming days, the Province will work with police to establish periodic road checks at key travel corridors during times associated with leisure travel to remind travellers of the order.

Police will not engage in random checks, and enforcement measures will be informed by discussions with stakeholders on limiting the impacts to racialized communities. These road checks will be set up near ferry terminals and on highway corridors that connect different regions of the province.

If compliance measures are deemed necessary by police, fines can be handed out. At the discretion of police, a contravention of this Emergency Program Act travel order may be subject to a $575 fine.

Effective immediately, these measures are enacted under the provincial state of emergency, using the extraordinary powers of the Emergency Program Act. The act allows the minister to implement all procedures the minister considers necessary to prevent, respond to or alleviate the effects of an emergency, including controlling or prohibiting travel to or from any area of British Columbia.

Learn More:

For more information about current COVID-19 travel restrictions, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covidtravel

For information on the latest PHO orders and guidance, non-medical issues like travel recommendations and how to manage social isolation, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/COVID-19

For more information and latest medical updates on COVID-19, follow the BC Centre for Disease Control on Twitter @CDCofBC or visit its website: http://www.bccdc.ca

Backgrounder, including the list of essential travel purposes, can be accessed here

Thursday, April 22, 2021

April 22nd, 2021 BC #COVID-19 Numbers Update

Joint Statement from BC's Provincial Health Officer/Minister of Health (Dr. Bonnie Henry/Hon. Adrian Dix):

“Today, we are reporting 1,006 new cases, for a total of 122,757 cases in British Columbia.

“There are 8,733 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, with 12,846 people under public health monitoring as a result of identified exposure to known cases. A further 112,235 people who tested positive have recovered.

“Of the active cases, 502 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 161 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

“Since we last reported, we have had 241 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 600 new cases in the Fraser Health region, 37 in the Island Health region, 83 in the Interior Health region, 42 in the Northern Health region and three new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.

“There have been four new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 1,550 deaths in British Columbia. Our condolences are with the family, friends and caregivers of the people who have died as a result of COVID-19.

“There is one new health-care outbreak at the Mount St. Mary facility, which is in the Island Health region.

“1,500,430 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in B.C., 88,475 of which are second doses.

“We encourage everyone to register on the Get Vaccinated website – whether they are getting their vaccine as part of the age-based program, worker program or at their local pharmacy. People 25 years and older are now eligible to register for their vaccine.

“The latest variant-of-concern data will be provided on the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) website weekly. Through our ongoing monitoring of the many variants in our province, we have identified 42 cases of the B.1.617 (India) variant of interest. Like the variants of concern, this strain has also shown to be more transmissible than those circulating earlier in the pandemic.

“We want to stop transmission from all variants, and the best ways for us to do that is to get vaccinated as soon we are eligible, to use our layers of protection and to stay local in our communities.

“We support the action the federal government announced today to suspend flights from India and Pakistan for 30 days.

“The pressure on B.C.’s health-care system is increasing, and our health-care workers need our help.

“As a result of the growing number of people with COVID-19 requiring care in hospital and the strain it is putting on our capacity, we have made the difficult decision to postpone scheduled non-urgent surgeries in nine Lower Mainland hospitals for the next two weeks.

“This is a temporary measure to ensure we can continue to care for everyone who is seriously ill and needs urgent care – whether they have COVID-19 or another illness. This is not a decision made lightly. We recognize this will have an impact on those who have been waiting their turn, and we will work to reschedule these surgeries as soon as we can.

“In addition to this short-term change in some hospitals, additional travel measures will come into effect with specific details to be provided tomorrow.

“Staying in our local communities means we are not travelling to or from COVID-19 hot spots and inadvertently bringing the virus with us as an unwelcome guest.

“We all have to do our part to protect those who are at higher risk, even if we are not high risk ourselves.

“This means doing three things: when it is your turn to get your vaccine – go, always using your safety layers and staying within your local communities. This is how we will protect our loved ones, our community and ourselves.”

Learn More:

For the April 19, 2021, PowerPoint presentation, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/19.04.21_ProtectingPeopleDeck_COVID-19.pdf

To share your perspectives and feedback on the SPEAK survey, go to: www.bccdc.ca/covid19survey

Provincial health officer's orders and guidance:

Orders: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

Guidance on restrictions: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions

The latest vaccine information:

For vaccine information, visit the BCCDC dashboard: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data Or: www.bccdc.ca

The latest updates, guidance and information on COVID-19, and where to get tested:

The latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and to find a testing centre near you: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

For data regarding ongoing outbreaks in long-term care, assisted-living and independent-living facilities in B.C., visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data#outbreak

Mental health support:

Non-health related information:

COVID-19 exposure events, updates and information by health authority: