News Release - February 27, 2020

COVID-19 Information for Parksville Residents

Recent stories from national and international news media indicate the Coronavirus, now known as COVID-19, is continuing to spread in different parts of the world. The World Health Organization and public health authorities around the world are taking action to contain the COVID-19 outbreak; however, long-term success cannot betaken for granted. The World Health Organization is considering declaring the situation a worldwide pandemic and according to the WHO, a pandemic is the consistent spread of a new disease around the world in a population that has not yet gained immunity to it.

As the lead agencies in British Columbia, the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and the BC Ministry of Health are closely monitoring the situation and will provide guidance. As a support agency, the City of Parksville, similar to other local governments, will respond to and distribute accurate information to residents on behalf of the BCCDC and the Ministry of Health. The City will follow the advice and guidance of Island Health, which has the expertise to assess the level of risk posed by a pandemic influenza such as the coronavirus.

Within a COVID-19 pandemic situation, the City’s main role is to protect staff so healthy employees can continue to provide and maintain service levels for our residents. The City has pandemic influenza policies as well as a communications strategy should it be necessary and plans are in place and will be activated should an outbreak of COVID-19 or any other disease be declared in British Columbia.

Following the advice from the Ministry of Health and BCCDC, in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19, we are encouraged to stay home should there be signs or symptoms of COVID-19. When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue or the sleeve of a shirt or jacket to cover the spread of droplets reducing the possible spread of the virus. Most importantly, washing your hands multiple times a day will help to reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19. Unless you have travelled to one of the areas where COVID-19 is spreading, or have been in close contact with someone who has and is feeling unwell, your chances of getting it are currently low.

For more information:
Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications
City of Parksville
250 954-3073