COVID-19 Updates and Resources

June 8, 2021

In February, the City of Parksville announced a new grant-in-aid program, a one-time COVID relief funding initiative to support non-profit groups providing social, cultural and community support services located in Parksville or serving Parksville residents. Council approved funding of $280,000 for the COVID relief grant-in-aid program.

At the June 7 meeting, from the fifteen applications received, Council approved the following applications for COVID relief grant-in-aid. Council agreed a minimum of 50% of constituents should reside in Parksville to receive the full amount requested. A total of $130,160.19 was allocated from the COVID relief fund.

• Forward House Community Society - $12,000.00
• Mount Arrowsmith Pipe Band Association - $ 3,780.07
• Oceanside Classical Concerts Society - $ 3,026.12
• Oceanside Community Arts Council - $20,513.00
• Oceanside Community Makerspace Society - $ 2,743.00
• Pacific Board Culture Society - $ 5,000.00
• Parksville & District Historical Society - $ 3,648.00
• Parksville Beach Festival Society - $68,700.00
• Parksville Curling Club - $10,000.00
• Parksville Quilt House Quilters Guild - $ 250.00
• Qualicum Weavers and Spinner Guild Society - $ 500.00

This COVID Relief Grant-in-Aid program was offered to registered non-profit groups providing social, cultural and community support services. Non-profit groups were eligible for reimbursement of COVID related expenses incurred since March 2020. Examples of eligible expenses included:

• Costs to obtain personal protective equipment and enhanced cleaning/ sanitization costs.
• Costs to adapt programming or services during pandemic.
• COVID related losses in regular revenue due to the inability to hold annual and ongoing fundraising events.
• Barriers, installation or modifications to ensure physical distancing and COVID safety.

On May 25, the province laid out a four-step reopening plan that could see us slowly return to normal as the number of vaccinations rise and the number of cases drop. While these are approximate dates, the plan will be guided by data, not dates, and will not proceed to the next step until it is safe to do so based on guidance from public health and the latest available data. Please refer to the government's restart program for details as well as information about steps 3 and 4. Thank you for continuing to do your part to help stop the spread of COVID-19. If we stay the course, we can resume much needed visits with friends and family and support a strong economic recovery for our province.

For Step 1 and Step 2, restaurants, bars, and pubs, as well as indoor fitness facilities, return to the safety protocols that were in place prior to the circuit breaker restrictions. For other sectors, existing safety protocols remain in place for Step 1 and Step 2, including existing safety protocols at schools and daycares.

Step 1 - May 25
For now, outdoor social gatherings will continue to be limited to ten. Indoor social gatherings with up to five visitors or one other household are now allowed. In terms of organized gatherings, indoor up to ten people seated or 50 people seated outdoors (with a COVID safety plan in place) will be allowed. Current non-essential travel restrictions between the three health regions continue. Sports teams can play games outside and restaurant dining can now occur indoors in groups of six.

Here is a breakdown of Step 1

• Maximum of five visitors or one other household allowed for indoor personal gatherings i.e. up to five people from different households can visit or one other household can visit another household
• Maximum of 10 people for outdoor personal gatherings.
• Maximum of 50 people for seated outdoor organized gatherings with safety protocols; examples include wedding ceremonies and funerals.
• Recreational travel only within travel region (travel restrictions between regions extended); hotels and other accommodation providers are encouraged to welcome guests from inside their region.
• Indoor and outdoor dining for up to six people with safety protocols
• Resume outdoor sports (games) with no spectators, and low-intensity fitness with safety protocols.
• Start gradual return to workplace.
• Return of indoor in-person faith-based gatherings (reduced capacity) based on consultation with public health.
• PHO Guidance: Physical distancing and masks continue to be required in public indoor settings.
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Step 2 - Mid-June (June 15 earliest date)
Tentatively scheduled for June 15, once 65% of BC is vaccinated and if hospitalizations drop, outdoor social gatherings of up to 50 people and playdates will be allowed. Indoor gatherings remain at five visitors or one other household. For organized gatherings, indoor up to 50 people seated will be allowed indoors (with a COVID safety plan). If case numbers continue to drop while vaccination rates go up, health officials indicated travel restrictions will be lifted.

Here is a breakdown of Step 2

• Maximum 50 people for outdoor social gatherings
• Maximum 50 people for seated indoor organized gatherings (banquet halls, movie theatres, live theatre) with safety protocols
• No BC travel restrictions; check local travel advisories; hotels and other accommodation providers may accept guests from throughout the province Indoor sports (games) and high-intensity fitness with safety protocols
• Spectators for outdoor sports (50 maximum)
• PHO Guidance: physical distancing and masks continue to be required in public indoor settings. Business safety protocols and physical distancing measures remain in place.

Step 3 - early July (July 1 earliest date)
The third step in the reopening plan will see a "return to usual for indoor or outdoor personal gatherings" and allow for sleepovers, if 70 per cent of the province is vaccinated, and if hospitalizations continue to drop. The forecast for organized gatherings is less clear; government documents state that fairs and festivals will be allowed with a COVID safety plan in place and "increased capacity" will be in place for indoor and outdoor organized gatherings, with a COVID safety plan.

Here is a breakdown of Step 3

• Provincial state of emergency and public health emergency lifted
• Returning to usual for indoor and outdoor personal gatherings
• Increased capacity for indoor and outdoor organized gatherings, with safety plans
• Nightclubs and casinos reopened with capacity limits and safety plans
• New public health and workplace guidance around personal protective equipment, physical distancing and business protocols
• PHO Guidance: masks are recommended in public outdoor settings; engage in careful social contact

Step 4 - early September (September 7 earliest date)
If vaccination rates hit 70 per cent of eligible individuals, social gatherings will return to normal and large organized events can resume, if more than 70 per cent of the province is vaccinated, and if hospitalizations continue to drop.

Here is a breakdown of Step 4

• Returning to normal social contact
• Increased capacity at larger organized gatherings
• No limits on indoor and outdoor spectators at sports
• Businesses operating with new safety plans
• PHO Guidance: masks in a public indoor setting a personal choice; normal social contact COVID-19 Vaccination Program Everyone aged 12 years or older can make a vaccination appointment. Register online or phone; your confirmation number will be used to book an appointment. Please refer to Island Health's website for information or call 1 833 838-2323 to book an appointment

COVID-19 Vaccination Program
Everyone aged 12 years or older can make a vaccination appointment. Register online or phone; your confirmation number will be used to book an appointment. Please refer to Island Health's website for information or call 1 833 838-2323 to book an appointment

Wellness Together Canada Portal
More than a year later, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause stress and uncertainty to individuals and families. If you or a loved one is going through a difficult time or if you are looking for resources to improve or nurture your wellbeing, please visit the Wellness Together Canada portal. Supports offered by the portal are free, confidential and available 24/7.

General Info
We will keep you informed of any changes to how the Town of Qualicum Beach and the City of Parksville operate as this pandemic evolves. City 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:

BC Centre for Disease Control

Island Health

Vaccine registration - 1 833 838-2323; https://immunizebc.ca/covid-19

Medical COVID-19 information - 811

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 4 pm, 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. Contact is by 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.

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

With the long weekend just ahead of us, we are reminded to follow public health advice to stay in our community and avoid non-essential travel; we know this virus moves with people. We all wish we could press a pandemic pause button and enjoy the May long weekend as we would normally; however, COVID-19 is still in our community.

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

COVID-19

We wish to remind our residents province-wide restrictions remain in place until further notice. It is the actions of our residents that keep our community safe and help to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Hang in there folks, just a little longer!

Outdoor Gatherings up to 10 People
Province-wide restrictions have recently been updated. Up to ten people may now gather outdoors. All restrictions for indoor gatherings remain in place.

• Up to 10 people may gather at a park or beach
• Up to 10 people may gather in the backyard of a residence
• No gatherings of any size are allowed indoors
• Do not gather with several groups of new people – stick to the same people
• Masks are required in all indoor settings and workplaces
• Explore close to home and avoid non-essential travel

Continue to refer to latest information at www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/response

The province announced today more than 300,000 frontline workers will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations in April.
The list of first priority groups include first responders (police, firefighters, emergency transport), K-12 educational staff, childcare staff, grocery store workers, postal workers, bylaw and quarantine officers, manufacturing workers,
wholesale/warehousing employees, cross-border transport workers, corrections workers and staff living in congregate
housing at places such as ski hills.

Thursday, March 4

The COVID immunization clinic operated by the Vancouver Island Health Authority will be in the Parksville Community Centre from March 15 through September. Island Health expects the vaccination clinic will be operational twelve hours a day, seven days a week providing vaccinations to Oceanside resident.

Designated parking at the Parksville Community Centre has been changed to accommodate public use while attending the clinic. Additional accessible parking has been added to the east side of the Parksville Community Centre building and parking for Island Health and the Parksville Civic and Technology Centre staff has been designated.

Due to the expected high volume of vehicles and pedestrians using the Parksville Community Centre, no other public parking can be accommodated in this area while the clinic is active.

1. Scooter and bicycle parking
2. PCTC staff parking
3. Island Health staff parking
4. Vaccination clinic parking
5. Accessible parking

In response to the provincial state of emergency, the City of Parksville is pleased to be able to accommodate Island Health’s vaccination clinic in the Parksville Community Centre. Questions about vaccinations should be directed to Island Health.

For more information:
Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications
dtardiff@parksville.ca; 250 954-3073

February 24, 2021

The City of Parksville has launched a new grant-in-aid program, a one-time COVID relief funding initiative to support non-profit groups providing social, cultural and community support services located in Parksville or serving Parksville residents. At the February 17 meeting, Council unanimously approved funding of $280,000 for the COVID Relief Grant-in-Aid program.

Information about this new grant-in-aid program is available on the City’s website and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until such time as $280,000 has been allocated. According to the City’s grant-in-aid policy, a select committee will review each application and make recommendations to Council as to whether grants should be approved. Submission details are outlined in the grant-in-aid policy.

This COVID Relief Grant-in-Aid program is for registered non-profit groups providing social, cultural and community support services. Non-profit groups may be eligible for reimbursement of COVID related expenses incurred since March 2020. Please note, wage and utility costs are not eligible, as these costs are offset by senior government programs. Examples of expenses include:

• Costs to obtain personal protective equipment
• Enhanced cleaning/ sanitization costs
• Costs to adapt programming or services during the COVID-19 pandemic
• COVID related losses in regular revenue due to the inability to hold annual and ongoing fundraising events
• Barriers, installation or modifications to ensure physical distancing and COVID safety.

QUOTE Mayor Ed Mayne:

“Parksville Council values the contributions made by non-profit groups which serve our community and recognizes ongoing measures and restrictions because of the pandemic continue to cause unanticipated hardships for organizations serving our community. We are confident this grant opportunity will help sustain groups and benefit our community as we move to economic recovery.”

For more information:

Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications
dtardiff@parksville.ca; 250 954-3073

Virtual Emergency Preparedness Workshop - March 4
Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility that begins with a plan and being prepared to look after yourself, your family and your pets for a minimum of one week. We encourage residents to join emergency preparedness coordinators from Parksville and Qualicum Beach on Thursday, March 4 at 1.30 pm for a Zoom workshop which will help better prepare yourself, your family and your business in the event of an emergency or disaster incident.

Please RSVP to info@emergencyoceanside.ca if you wish to participate. We will confirm your space and then a few days before the meeting, will send Zoom instructions by email. The meeting is a closed event; however, your screen name will be visible to the other participants.

The ongoing pandemic reminds us of the importance of personal preparedness and that having a plan is critical to protect ourselves and our families. While we continue to physically distance and spend more time at home, there’s an opportunity to build emergency preparedness plans to fit our individual personal needs. We hope this workshop will help raise awareness and offer information and tips to help prepare businesses, individuals and families for the possibility of an emergency.

To join, you will need a computer with an internet connection and can join the meeting in the following ways:

• Computer with camera and microphone – click the link provided.
• Computer with camera and no microphone – click link and call the phone number provided.
• Computer with no camera or no microphone – call the phone number provided.

If you have a specific subject you wish included in the presentation or questions you would like answered, please send them to info@emergencyoceanside.ca and we will do our best. We look forward to connecting with you, virtually!

COVID-19 Immunization Plan
BC's immunization plan is scheduled to occur in four phases through September with eligibility based on your age in 2021. The timeline for each phase may change due to vaccine availability and everyone in BC recommended to receive the vaccine will have the opportunity to get it in 2021. Please refer to gov.bc.ca/COVID19 for the most up-to-date information.

Phase 1 through February 2021

• Residents and staff of long-term care facilities.
• Individuals assessed for and awaiting long-term care.
• Residents and staff of assisted living residences.
• Essential visitors to long-term care facilities and assisted living residences.
• Hospital health care workers who may provide care for COVID-19 patients in settings like Intensive Care Units, emergency departments, paramedics, medical units and surgical units.
• Remote and isolated Indigenous communities.

Phase 2 - February to March

• Seniors aged 80 and over not immunized in Phase 1.
• Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) seniors age 65 and over, Elders and additional Indigenous communities not immunized in Phase 1.
• Hospital staff, community general practitioners and medical specialists not immunized in Phase 1.
• Vulnerable populations living and working in select congregated settings.
• Staff in community home support and nursing services for seniors.

Phase 3, April to June
People aged 79 to 60, in five-year increments as well as those 16 to 69 who are considered clinically extremely vulnerable.

Phase 4 - July to September
People aged 59 to 18, in five-year increments:

There are three steps to the immunization process, outlined here:

STEP: Pre-registration - When you pre-register, you select your preferred method of communication. This is how you will be contacted to reserve an appointment. You can pre-register two to four weeks before eligible to reserve an appointment. Eligibility is based on your phase and age, working backwards in five-year increments. Pre-registration opens March 2021. There will be two options to pre-register, online and by phone.

STEP 2: Appointment reservation - When contacted to reserve a vaccine appointment, you must complete a prescreening and select a location, date and time. This can be done online or by phone.

STEP 3: Appointment day - Come prepared to your appointment and arrive a few minutes before your scheduled time. At the immunization clinic you will complete a check-in process, get your vaccine dose and wait in an observation area for about 15 minutes.

Getting the second dose - People who get their first vaccine dose will be notified by email, text message or phone call when they are eligible to book an appointment for the second dose.

Province-wide restrictions remain in place until further notice
Your actions are helping to keep our businesses and schools open, and our hospitals and communities safe. Thank you for continuing to do your part in keeping our community safe and helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

• Middle and secondary school students are required to wear a mask in all indoor areas.
• Masks are required in all public indoor settings and workplaces.
• Spend time with those in your household or core bubble only.
• Explore close to home and avoid non-essential travel.
• Enjoy a walk or hike with a friend, but do not gather outdoors.

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. 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

Welcome to 2021! We look forward to continuing to share great emergency preparedness information with you. Please forward this email to neighbours, friends or family who might be interested in receiving our info.

Island Health is seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases in the central island region again. We have been asked by Island Health to remind residents to double down on your efforts to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Even though vaccinations will be coming, now is not the time to relax. COVID-19 is in all our communities and everyone must continue to follow the steps we know are effective in reducing the risk of transmission. Thank you for continuing to do your part; everything we do now will make a difference in the days and weeks to come.

Washing our hands regularly, keeping at least two metres apart, wearing a mask in public spaces, and getting tested if you feel unwell are fundamentals of defeating this virus. It is also strongly recommended that everyone limit their travel between communities and outside the province, unless it is essential for work or medical care.

Province-wide PHO Restrictions Continue
The Provincial Health Officer order to suspend all events and social gatherings continues through midnight, February 5. These orders are intended to significantly reduce COVID-19 transmission related to social interactions and travel. It is recommended that all non-essential travel continue to be avoided. Are you experiencing cold, flu or COVID-19 like symptoms? Please remember to visit http://bc.thrive.health to complete a self-assessment to see if you need a test before calling the Island Health Testing Call Centre. Non-medical information about COVID-19 is available daily, 7:30 am to 8 pm at 1 888-COVID19.

Here’s what we must do to keep safe:

• Limit social interactions to our immediate household. Those who live alone must limit their social interactions to one or two people in their frequent bubble. The fewer people we see, the less chance of exposure.
• Wash our hands often; an easy and effective way to prevent the spread.
• Wear a mask in all indoor public settings, including all retail stores and restaurants, except when eating or drinking. • Limit time in public places to essential trips for things like groceries and medications.
• If you are experiencing cold, influenza or COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are mild, please stay home, self-isolate and visit bc.thrive.health or Island Health’s website to determine if you require testing.
• Testing is fast and easy. People aged four and older can be tested with a gargle test or nasopharyngeal swab with results usually available within 24 hours. Before calling to book an appointment, please use the self-assessment tool at bc.thrive.health to determine if you or your child needs a COVID-19 test. If a test is recommended, call 1 844 901-8442 to book an appointment (daily 8:30 am – 8 pm). Testing is available by appointment only.

Province-wide restrictions:

• Masks are required in British Columbia in all public indoor settings and workplaces.
• Spend time with those in your household or core bubble only.
• Explore close to home and avoid non-essential travel.
• Enjoy a walk or hike with a friend, but do not gather outdoors.

These restrictions will help to keep our businesses and schools open and our hospitals and communities safe. Thank you for continuing to do your part to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Most recent info at gov.bc.ca/COVID19

Zoom with EMO Emergency Preparedness
The pandemic has changed so much about the way we live and work and for Parksville and Qualicum Beach emergency program coordinators, engaging the community is no exception. Without pandemic restrictions in place, our EPCs would be working in the community, meeting with residents and neighbourhood groups. If you have a group of friends or neighbours interested in a presentation or talk about an emergency preparedness topic, please email info@emergencyoceanside.ca and we will look after you.

Rob and Aaron have been reaching out virtually with organized Zoom sessions, an opportunity to chat about emergency preparedness. We have a few spaces available on:

• Thursday, January 21 at 10 am
• Wednesday, January 27 at 2 pm

Email info@emergencyoceanside.ca if you would like to participate, letting us know which date is preferred. We will confirm your participation and send you Zoom instructions by email. To join, you will need a computer with an internet connection and can join the meeting in the following ways:

• Computer with camera and microphone – click the link provided.
• Computer with camera and no microphone – click link and call the phone number provided.
• Computer with no camera or no microphone – call the phone number provided.

There’s a cold snap coming…
Environment Canada is predicting a few days of colder weather and possibly snow. This link provides a home preparedness checklist for severe weather, ideas on how to develop an emergency plan and emergency kit as well as suggestions on how you can connect with your neighbours.

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. 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