News Release - April 1, 2020

Message from Parksville Mayor Mayne

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold in our country, the City’s focus is on preventing the spread of the virus, supporting our staff and maintaining essential services for our residents.

On behalf of Council, please know we do understand the impact this crisis must be having on our residents and the community. On behalf of Council and staff, I wish to express our gratitude to frontline health workers; we wish them well and please stay safe. We also wish to express our gratitude to those working in retail, for your efforts to ensure we can access the goods and services so important in our day-to-day lives. Please take a moment to thank them and please show empathy for the situation they find themselves.

City operations continue to be busy and Council meets regularly by teleconference to ensure we are able to provide important services to our residents. All levels of government are working to fight this virus and the City is committed to community well being and safety; here is what is currently in place to keep everyone safe:

• The Parksville Civic and Technology Centre is closed and only critical services continue.
• Park amenities are closed including playgrounds. Washrooms in our parks remain open with increased cleaning and disinfection.
• Non-essential businesses are closed and for those open, please take precautions to keep yourself, staff and customers safe. We see the difference you are making.
• Our bylaw officers and staff are in the community reminding people to keep a minimum of two metres distance between one another. The BC Government issued orders allowing municipal bylaw officers to support enforcement of public health orders for business closures and gatherings, in line with offences under the Public Health Act. Please report concerns to bylaw@parksville.ca or 250 954-4650.
• For assistance with municipal services, please call 250 248-6144 or email info@parksville.ca For the most recent information and updates, please refer to the City’s website and COVID-19 information page.

Council has confidence in our provincial government and Dr Bonnie Henry, Chief Medical Health Officer. We will get through this crisis by doing what is right to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The most important thing you can do is stay home as much as possible and only leave your property for essential trips to work and get food or medicines. Isolate yourself if sick or returning from another country, continue to wash your hands multiple times each day and regularly disinfect high touch surfaces. Respect physical distancing of at least two metres at all times, even outdoors.

Look after one another, stay in touch virtually and please do not put anyone in jeopardy. Put those hearts in your windows to let your neighbours know you are thinking about them. By staying home as much as possible, you are staying safe and by physical distancing you are protecting others.

Sincerely,

Mayor Ed Mayne

City of Parksville