EMO News Release - September 16, 2020

We hope your summer was enjoyable with pleasant outside time and opportunities to connect with friends and family. We are indeed fortunate that currently there is no community transmission on Central Vancouver Island and although the Parksville-Qualicum Beach region and Vancouver Island are considered low risk, it is important that we keep prevention measures top of mind. This will be key in the coming months to limit the spread of the coronavirus as well as other seasonal colds and viruses. We encourage everyone to include a flu shot in your winter readiness plan, particularly important this winter so the medical system is not overwhelmed. Pharmacies expect to receive the flu shots in mid October and many pharmacies will facilitate online appointments closer to the date.

The Island's medical health officer has indicated Vancouver Island is one of the safest places for children to return to school and we hope that knowing this will help to alleviate some of the concerns and uncertainty for parents.

Emergency Management Oceanside representing the Parksville Qualicum Beach region will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic situation for our region and the emergency operations centre remains at Level 1 activation.

Masks During the Pandemic

Facemasks can be worn to help protect those around you and should be worn by people who are sick. Masks have a role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19, especially for healthcare providers and for people with COVID-19. This is because masks act as a barrier and help stop the spread of droplets from a person's mouth and nose when talking, laughing, yelling, singing, coughing, or sneezing.

Wearing a mask should be combined with other important preventative measures such as frequent hand washing and physical distancing. Using only a mask is not enough to prevent the spread of COVID-19. More information at http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/prevention-risks/masks

Being Winter Prepared

We all need to consider seasonal preparedness to be comfortable and safe during the winter season.

  • Get your home winter ready by having the furnace inspected, fireplace chimney cleaned, service generators, and shut off outside water to protect plumbing and sprinkler systems.
  • Check the supplies in your emergency preparedness kit to ensure you and your family will be self sufficient in an emergency.
  • Winterize your vehicle including good winter tires.
  • Help your neighbours/family members who may be elderly or have limited mobility issues prepare for winter.

FROM THE CITY OF PARKSVILLE

During the pandemic, in-person services offered by the City are limited to payments and purchase of bus passes, garbage tags and tickets/licence fees 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.

With COVID-19 numbers on the rise in BC, it is important to recommit to flatten the curve:

  • Physical distancing and small groups.
  • Practice good hand hygiene.
  • Stay home if sick.
  • Look after yourself and your health.
  • Wearing a mask should be combined with other preventative measures. A mask can be worn to help protect those around you and should be worn by people who are sick.
  • Be kind.

FROM THE TOWN OF QUALICUM BEACH

The Town Hall office will be open to the public from 9 am to 1 pm. Planning and building inquiries are by appointment only, please call 250 752 6921 to arrange a time to visit. Where possible, residents are encouraged to use online services line and to contact the Town by phone at 250 752-6921 or email qbtown@qualicumbeach.com. When accessing the Town of Qualicum Beach:

  • Entry to the second floor is via the elevator only; exit is by the stairs only; elevator upon request.
  • Sanitation stations are available
  • Public washrooms are closed
  • Parkade is open with access to the Town Hall foyer.
  • Please follow safety protocols - do not enter the building if you are sick, wash/sanitize hands thoroughly before entry, cover your cough or sneeze and limit your time if others are waiting.

STAY INFORMED

We will continue to keep you informed of changes to how the Town of Qualicum Beach and the City of Parksville operate through this pandemic. Staff and elected officials are practicing physical distance and sanitizing protocols and many services continue to be available by phone, email and online. Please refer to your municipality for contact information. Health-related information is available from:

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

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