EMO News Release - April 27

Most British Columbians are doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19 by following public health advice to stay in their community and avoid non-essential travel. The third wave of the pandemic is here and our fight against COVID-19 has changed with the introduction of more quickly spreading variants. 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.

By staying close to home for the next five weeks, we are giving ourselves the best chance to enjoy this summer and be in a place where we can put this pandemic behind us. Staying in our local community means we are not going to and from COVID hotspots and inadvertently bringing the virus along with us. Please avoid non-essential travel within our region as well. We can enjoy the outdoors at local beaches and parks and the warmer weather just closer to home, in our own community. Thank you for keeping us safe and doing your part to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Travel Restrictions
Travel restrictions were set by the province on April 23 to stop the spread of COVID-19 and variants of concern. Non-essential travel is restricted between certain regions of the province and will be in place until May 25 at midnight. Fines can be given to people who leave their region for non-essential travel. Remember to stay local and stay in your community.

Non-essential travel includes the following:

• Vacations, weekend getaways and tourism activities
• Visiting family or friends for social reasons
• Recreation activities

This order limits travel into and out of three regional zones in the province - the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and the Interior/Northern parts of BC. The order is designed to discourage and stop recreational and leisure travel and does not restrict essential travel between regional zones - including for work, for school and to help care for a sick loved one. For more information current travel restrictions, refer to the BC Government website.

Province-wide Restrictions
Stronger province-wide restrictions remain in place until midnight, May 25

• Non-essential travel is prohibited.
• The variance allowing indoor religious gatherings and worship services between March 28 and May 13 is suspended.
• Indoor low-intensity group exercise classes are cancelled.
• Restaurants, pubs and bars are closed for indoor dining. Outdoor patio seating and takeout or delivery is allowed.
• Workplaces with a COVID-19 exposure may be ordered to close for a minimum of 10 days.

Island Health COVID-19 Vaccination Program
The provincial vaccine program has picked up speed, with nearly one in three eligible people vaccinated with their first dose. However, for the next five weeks, we all must do everything we can to keep people safe and support our hospitals.

Once you are eligible to register, you remain eligible. At this time, residents born in or before 1996 (age 25 or older), Indigenous peoples aged 18 and older and those clinically extremely vulnerable are eligible to register. 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 or call 1 833 838-2323 to book an appointment when eligible. Gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated

How to get vaccinated

• 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.

Participate in BC's COVID-19 Public Health Survey
Share your experiences with the pandemic by participating in the B.C. COVID-19 SPEAK survey. The BC Centre for Disease Control hopes you will lend your voice to this important survey to help public health better understand the experiences of British Columbians over the past twelve months.

The survey will ask how has COVID-19 affected you and your family, what barriers may exist to accessing vaccinations, and what are your needs for recovery? The information will help public health professionals and others better respond to the key, ongoing challenges facing British Columbians. The survey, funded by the BCCDC Foundation for Public Health, takes about 20 to 30 minutes to compete and is available in ten languages. Learn more and participate at: bccdc.ca/covid19survey

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:

• Email qbtown@qualicumbeach.com
• Phone 250 752-6921
• Post PO Box 130, Qualicum Beach V9K 1S7
• Mail Slot Out front of Town Hall, nearest the fountain

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.

For information, contact:

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