EMO News Release - April 20, 2021

Update Our weather in Oceanside this past week has been quite spectacular, providing a welcome opportunity to be outside. More than ever, it is important to know the risks to protect yourself and others. The pandemic is impacting us all in so many ways as we continue to navigate the road to recovery and a new normal. Thank you for keeping us safe and doing your part to limit the spread of COVID-19.

As part of the province's circuit breaker put in place three weeks ago and as a result of the current levels of transmission in BC, the provincial health officer orders have been extended for a further five weeks, through May 24 at midnight. This includes the current restrictions on social gatherings, events, indoor dining (restaurants, pubs, bars) and indoor group fitness activities. The expedited workplace closure order also remains in place. New orders will be put in place later this week under the Emergency Program Act, to restrict vacation and recreation travel outside of your health authority. It was also announced the AstraZeneca vaccine age eligibility was lowered to those 40 and older.

Island Health COVID-19 Vaccination Program Getting your COVID-19 vaccination registration is open for people who are eligible. Residents who wish to receive the COVID vaccine are encouraged to register online. Your confirmation number will then be used to book an appointment when you are eligible. Please refer to Island Health's website to determine age eligibility or call 1 833 838-2323 to book an appointment when you are eligible.Gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated

• Step 1 - Register and get a confirmation number; this number will be used to book your vaccination appointment when the time comes. Registering also helps health authorities request the right amount of vaccine doses for each community.
• Step 2 - You will be contacted to book a vaccine appointment when you are eligible based on your age and the government's immunization plan phases. Appointments can be booked online or by phone by selecting a location, date and time.
• Step 3 - Visit the vaccine clinic to get your vaccine dose. People who get their first vaccine dose will be notified by email, text or phone call when eligible to book an appointment for the second dose.

Emergency Preparedness Week - May 2-8 The past year has been a reminder about how important personal preparedness can be and that being prepared and having a plan is critical. During the pandemic, we have all taken the important steps to protect ourselves and our families and continuing to build on the emergency preparedness plans and supplies ready for other potential emergencies is also key to keeping us safe during these times.
Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility that begins with making a plan and being prepared to look after yourself, your family and your pets for a minimum of one week. Emergency Preparedness Week is a reminder intended to raise awareness and offer information and tips to help prepare businesses, individuals and families for the possibility of an emergency or disaster incident.

Zoom and Learn - Emergency Preparedness Workshops
During Emergency Preparedness Week, EMO emergency preparedness coordinators will offer two more Zoom workshops to help better prepare yourself, your family and your business in the event of an emergency or disaster. These sessions are an hour in length and popular with Parksville-Qualicum Beach residents. Please RSVP to info@emergencyoceanside.ca. We will confirm your space and send Zoom instructions by email.
Monday, May 3 at 10.30 am Thursday, May 6 at 1.30 pm
For more information on how to prepare yourself and your family in the event of an emergency, please visit GetPrepared.ca along with these preparedness websites:

PreparedBC
BC's response to COVID-19
Canada.ca - Being prepared through COVID-19

Volunteers, the Power of Many The theme for National Volunteer Week 2021, April 18 to April 24, is The Value of One, The Power of Many which reflects on the awe-inspiring acts of kindness by millions of individuals and the magic that happens when we work together towards a common purpose.

Emergency Management Oceanside relies on volunteers for two programs – Oceanside Emergency Support Services and Oceanside Emergency Communications Team. Although not paid positions, volunteers receive full training paid for by EMO. Training is not required to join ESS or ECT, just a desire to provide a valued service to your community when it is needed most. If you are interested in volunteering or would just like more information, please see our website or email Chris James, volunteer coordinator at OESSD@parksville.ca. We can't do it alone!

National Volunteer Week is an opportunity for all of us to recognize the contributions of volunteers make in our community and just how important volunteers are as partners with government in providing services to citizens. Community programs rely on volunteers to donate their time to help others every single day. We thank and celebrate those people who care for others and who make a tremendous contribution by volunteering in our community. For more information on Volunteer Week in Canada please see https://volunteer.ca.

Voyent Alert! - is a multi-purpose communication service which sends alerts to people who call the Oceanside region home. Alerts can be sent over a variety of channels including mobile apps, text/SMS, email or voice dial. Registration is FREE, simple and anonymous. Mobile app users can download the Voyent Alert! app from the Apple or Google Play app stores. Email or SMS users may register online to receive email or text-based alerts at https://register.voyentalert.com. Access to sign-up can also be accessed from the City of Parksville and Town of Qualicum Beach websites along with instructions.

From the Town of Qualicum Beach
Town Hall remains open to the public Monday to Friday, 9 am to 1 pm (except statutory holidays). Town staff are available via email or phone until 4pm, Monday to Friday.

While we are happy to help in person where needed, we encourage you to conduct business remotely where possible. Masks are mandatory when visiting Town Hall. You can contact us via any of the following methods:

From the City of Parksville
City in-person services during the COVID-19 pandemic are limited to payments of tickets/licence fees and the purchase of bus passes, with all other City business by appointment and no walk-in services. To book an appointment, call 250 248-6144 or refer to website contact info. Finance is open Monday to Friday, 9 am to noon and 1 pm to 3 pm. Please note, entry is from Jensen Avenue East. Masks are mandatory when at City Hall and visitors will be asked to provide information for contact tracing.

Rob Daman
Emergency Program Coordinator
Town of Qualicum Beach
rdaman@qualicumbeach.com

Aaron Dawson
Emergency Program Coordinator
City of Parksville
adawson@parksville.ca

Deb Tardiff
Manager of Communications
City of Parksville

dtardiff@parksville.ca