EMO News Release - December 30
It’s the time of the year when we gather with family and friends. With COVID-19 cases on the rise, it’s so important we keep our gatherings small and in line with the current public health order. Please stay safe, our very best to you in 2022.
Over the holidays while we are “snowed in,” and it feels like winter will never end, please consider those who may need extra support by checking with neighbours and friends (bonus points if you bring soup!). The weather can be more than just inconvenient to some in our community. Here are a few ways we can make a difference; we know there are many more!
- Shovel your neighbour’s walkway and/or driveway.
- Brush the snow and ice from their vehicle
- Clear snow from street signs, storm sewer grates, fire hydrants and mailboxes if they’re covered with snow. It benefits everyone’s safety.
- Offer to pick up groceries or prescriptions for someone while driving is not great
- Offer to get a neighbour’s mail if sidewalks are snow packed.
Province-wide restrictions
To help keep BC safe, province-wide restrictions are in effect until January 18. Most recent information is available here.
- Indoor organized gatherings of any size are not allowed. This includes gatherings like New Year's Eve parties, weddings or other celebrations.
- Indoor events at venues can only have 50% capacity. This includes events like concerts, sports or movies.
- Bars, nightclubs and lounges are closed.
- Restaurants, cafes and pubs can have a maximum of six people at each table.
- Adult gyms, fitness centres and dance studios are closed.
As well, the provincial health officer announced revised orders which will be in effect until January 31, 2022. These orders address rising COVID-19 case counts and include:
- Indoor personal gatherings are limited to your household plus ten visitors or one other household. Everyone 12 and older must be fully vaccinated.
- The BC vaccine card is required for organized events of any size.
- At restaurants, cafes and pubs, customers must stay seated and cannot move between or visit other tables. Masks are required when not seated
- Limiting venues of 1,000 individuals or more to 50% of the seated capacity with reinforced masking requirements and scanning of the BC vaccine card QR code.
- All sports tournaments and related travel are not allowed.
- All New Year’s Eve organized gatherings and events are restricted to being seated-only events, with no mingling or dancing allowed.
In addition to the provincial health officer orders, British Columbians are advised to limit indoor gatherings to those who are fully vaccinated, ensure proper ventilation indoors, avoid all travel if not fully vaccinated and follow the travel advisory issued by the federal government to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada.
Information about COVID-19, how to protect yourself, your family and your community and what to do if you suspect you have the virus is available from Island Health. Information about booster doses at this link. This link explains priority groups and the requirement to wait until contacted.
Island Health Looks Back and Looks Ahead
Posted by Island Health today, we are passing it along for information. A reflection on 2021 and the challenges Omicron will present in 2022.
For information, contact:
Aaron Dawson
Emergency Program Coordinator, City of Parksville
adawson@parksville.ca
Rob Daman
Emergency Program Coordinator, Town of Qualicum Beach
rdaman@qualicumbeach.com
Deb Tardiff
Manager of Communications, City of Parksville
dtardiff@parksville.ca
Consultation has concluded
