COVID-19 Updates and Resources

Home for the Holidays
Thank you for doing your part to keep us all safe. 2020 has been a challenging year and we are encouraged to see a vaccine on the horizon. Thank you for your support of EMO and we look forward to sharing emergency preparedness information with you in 2021. On behalf of the EMO team and the Councils and staff of the Town of Qualicum Beach and City of Parksville, we wish you a most wonderful holiday season and a safe and healthy 2021.

COVID-19 Update
Recent COVID-19 measures, which prohibit gatherings and events as well as meeting with people outside of your immediate household, have been extended until midnight, January 8.

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.

The extended measures mean there will be no multi-household Christmas dinners, Hanukkah celebrations or New Year's Eve gatherings. People who live alone may form a bubble with another unit, but everyone else is asked to stick to their immediate household. Some drive-through, drive-in and drop-off events with COVID safety plans are allowed with up to 50 people who must stay inside their vehicles. Schools will remain open until their usual holiday break time.

On the fitness front, spin classes, hot yoga and high intensity interval training (HIIT) are suspended indefinitely. Other activities, such as gymnastics, dance studios, martial arts, yoga, pilates, strength and conditioning and cheerleading are on pause until new guidance is developed. Regular gyms and individual training may stay open. All adult indoor and outdoor team sports also remain banned, while youth sports have returned to phase two of ViaSport’s Return to Sport guidelines.

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.

Spend an hour in January with EMO Emergency Preparedness Coordinators
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed so much about the way we live and work and for our 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 to talk about emergency preparedness.

So, we'd like to reach out virtually and hope you will consider spending an hour or so on Zoom with Aaron and Rob who promise to have a smile on their faces to help with those January blahs. We will be hosting a Zoom meeting on January 13 at 2 pm to chat about emergency preparedness and also answer your questions.

Please email info@emergencyoceanside.ca if you wish to participate. A few days before the meeting, you will receive the Zoom instructions by email. Please be advised, the meeting is a closed event; however, your screen name will be visible to the other participants. Because there is a limit on the number of participants, we will host additional Zoom meetings if we are not able to accommodate everyone on January 13.

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 specific subjects for discussion or questions you would like answered, please send those along as well (info@emergencyoceanside.ca) and we will do our best to provide the information. We look forward to connecting with you, virtually!

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

Please note, Town Hall is closed for the holidays on December 24, December 25 and January 1.

FROM THE CITY OF PARKSVILLE
City offices will be closed on Friday, December 25 and Monday, December 28 for the Christmas holidays and on Friday, January 1 for the New Year's Day holiday. City offices will be open on December 24, 29, 30 and 31.

Currently, working within COVID-19 restrictions, the City's finance department is open Monday to Friday, 9 am to noon and 1 pm to 3 pm. Please continue to access our services electronically. All other City business is by appointment and walk-in services are not available. To book an appointment, phone 250 248-6144 or contact City staff by email or phone.

The City's operations department is on call during all non-working hours, including weekends and holidays. For afterhours operations emergency, residents should call 250 248-6144 (4 pm to 8 am, Monday to Friday and weekends and holidays).

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

December 5, 2020

We were advised yesterday that the December 2 Provincial Health Officer order on Gatherings and Events repeals the November 10 order and imposes more stringent prohibitions including in-person public attendance at council meetings, public hearings, committee meetings, open houses, and other in-person meetings. This order prohibiting members of the public from attending meetings is in effect until December 7. However, given the current surge of COVID-19 infections in British Columbia, we do not expect this order will be rescinded on December 7.

Parksville Council’s next scheduled meeting will be held at 3 pm, Monday, December 7 in the Forum, Parksville Civic and Technology Centre. In order to comply with the PHO order, the public may no longer attend this meeting. Residents may view the meeting live through webstreaming, accessible from the City’s website. The meeting video is also archived for viewing at another time. The agenda for the December 7 meeting is posted on the City’s website. Comments should be emailed to council@parksville.ca prior to the meeting.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a decision was recently made by Council to cancel the December 21 meeting. Prior to Council’s first meeting in 2021, expected to be held on January 18, we will advise the public how they may view and/or participate in the meeting. Should residents wish to reach members of Council, please email council@parksville.ca. We apologize for this last-minute notice; however, we were advised of this revised order late on December 4.

The new Provincial Health Officer Gatherings and Events Order may be viewed here.

• Masks/face coverings are required in BC in all public indoor settings, on public transit and in workplaces.
• Spend time with those in your household or core bubble only. No social gatherings of any size.
• Avoid non-essential travel.
• Enjoy a physically distanced walk or hike with a friend, but do not gather outdoors.
• Remain at home if you show signs however mild, of any illness like coughing, fever and other symptoms.

• General, 250 954-3060, admin@parksville.ca
• Bylaw, 250 954-4650, bylaw@parksville.ca
• Council, 250 954-3060, council@parksville.ca

Since late summer, COVID-19 case counts continue to increase in the number of active cases and people in isolation. Although most cases are concentrated in the Fraser Health region, COVID-19 continues to spread in all health regions in BC including Vancouver Island as is evidenced by the increased case counts over the past two weeks.

A few weeks ago, the Province of BC implemented a province-wide order limiting social gatherings in private homes to your immediate household; the people who live in your home, plus a maximum of six other people (your safe six). This order applies to all homes and for all occasions within Island Health. A household is defined as a group of people who live in the same dwelling. If you have a rental suite in your home, the suite is a separate household. If you live in an apartment or house with roommates, you are all members of the same household. Dr Henry has said people who live alone can maintain a small bubble.

Because of the number of COVID-19 cases, it is recommended travel in and out of the Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health regions be limited to essential travel only. If it is necessary to travel to Metro Vancouver, it is so important to exercise caution.

At this time, there is a two-week provincial order for those living in the Lower Mainland or Fraser Valley which essentially limits socializing to those within an immediate household – no gatherings or household visitors allowed. We are now going on nine months of feeling the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic in our community and although we do not have the same provincial order in Island Health, conducting ourselves in a safe and preventative manner, keeping our bubbles small is the best possible way to keep ourselves and loved ones safe this winter.

The choices we make do make a difference and will support our businesses and schools to stay open. Thank you for continuing to do your part in keeping us safe and helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Wearing a mask

The Public Health Agency of Canada now advises wearing non-medical masks with three layers. Earlier this month the Public Health Agency of Canada advised Canadians to up their mask game and use non-medical face masks with three layers - two layers made of a tightly woven fabric like cotton and a third layer made of a synthetic water-repelling material which can act as a filter to trap infectious particles. (Alternatively, you can choose masks with a pocket in which you insert a removable filter.) Previously, PHAC had been telling Canadians to use a non-medical mask or face covering with two layers. Canada's Chief Public Health Officer Dr Theresa Tam stressed the importance of the new recommendation given the fact that we are moving into winter and likely to spend more time indoors.

This link explains proper material, fit, safety considerations and outlines the reasons why the Public Health Agency is now recommending three-layer masks.

Every layer of protection helps slow the spread of COVID-19. But no layer is perfect. Layer up to keep our loved ones, elders, and communities safe - and our businesses and schools open.

Pandemic Preparedness Guide

A roadmap to help you plan for a pandemic, this guide provides resources, supports and information on what to do to keep yourself and others safe. There's an explanation of a pandemic, info about emergency kits, good hygiene, personal health, copying with stress, checklists and forms, how to clean and disinfect and other useful information. The link to the guide is here.

Being Winter Prepared

We've seen our share of rain and wind this month and no doubt will see more severe weather over the coming winter months. 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.

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

At yesterday’s briefing, the provincial Medical Health Officer, Dr Bonnie Hendry, announced a substantial increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the province over the past weekend. Today’s announcement is a reminder that we should remain diligent and continue to work together to stop the spread of the pandemic.

Vancouver Island has had no new infections over the weekend; nine active cases isolating as of October 26 (five in Central Island) and 59 people in quarantine based on contact tracing. The local medical health officer reports contact tracing has limited the transfer of infection. Although Vancouver Island infection numbers are low, we must remain diligent to protect each other. This is not the time to get complacent even though our infections remain far lower than anywhere else in the province.

A new provincial health order limits gatherings in private homes to no more than your immediate household plus your “safe six” (six additional others). This order is necessary because transmission is now occurring within households. This order can be enforced by municipal bylaw and police officers and clear violations of the order may be reported to the RCMP. We hope this will not be necessary and residents will comply with this order; the rules are in place to protect us all.

For the coming winter months, Dr Hendry suggested we should focus on our immediate family and consider having social connections with others in a safe way. This will be a challenge but is something we need to do as a community, so we are able to get through the coming respiratory season and protect ourselves and others in the best possible way.

There is now an expectation, not an order, that masks should be worn when in businesses, workplaces and indoor public spaces, especially in high-traffic areas. Because we cannot always keep a safe distance, masks can provide an extra layer of protection. To be safe, we should feel comfortable wearing a mask at any time.

A reminder to Oceanside residents to help slow the spread of COVID-19:

• Maintain physical distance of at least two metres
• Wash your hands often
• Cover your cough or sneeze
• Do not touch your face
• Avoid large gatherings
• Stay home if sick
• Wear a mask in public spaces
• Be kind, be calm and be safe

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

October 14, 2020

We wish for our residents to enjoy a safe and fun Halloween this year. We are passing along some suggestions from the BC Centre for Disease website. Outdoor trick or treating can be safe when people respect physical distancing, wear masks, use hand sanitizer and ensure treats are prepackaged.

No matter how you celebrate Halloween this year…

• Turn off your porch light and stay at home if you are sick or self-isolating.
• Try including a non-medical mask or face covering as part of your costume. Costume masks should not be worn over non-medical masks or face coverings as that may make it difficult to breathe.
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.

Skip Halloween parties this year…

Leave the parties behind. Indoor gatherings, big or small, put people at higher risk of getting COVID-19. Celebrate with your favourite Halloween movie or other traditions that you can do with your household or social group.

If you host or attend a small party, keep it within your social group (stick to six)…

• You should know everyone who attends, no plus ones. Follow our guidelines for safer celebrations.
• Don’t pass around snacks, drinks, smokes, tokes, and vapes.
• Be more outside, than inside. Keep your space well-ventilated with windows open. Avoid using props that can cause coughing, such as smoke machines.
• Be careful with hand sanitizer and open flames - hand sanitizer is very flammable!

Trick-or-treating can be done safely by following these tips…

• Respect homes by staying away if the lights are out.
• Keep to your local neighbourhood this year. Avoid trick-or-treating in busy areas or indoors (in places like malls) since there may not be enough space to distance. Indoor spaces may require a non-medical mask or face covering.
• Trick-or-treat in a small social group, stick to six people. Leave space between you and other groups to reduce crowding on stairs and sidewalks.
• Wash your hands before you go out, when you get home, and before eating treats. Keep hand sanitizer with you if eating treats on the go. You don’t need to clean every treat. You should instead wash your hands after handling treats and not touch your face.

Get creative handing out treats…

• Get creative! Use tongs, a baking sheet or make a candy slide to give more space when handing out candy. Plan to hand out individual treats instead of offering a shared bowl. Only hand out sealed, pre-packaged treats.
• Wear a non-medical mask that covers your nose and mouth when handing out treats.
• Be more outside, than inside. If you can, stand outside your door to hand out treats. Then kids won’t need to touch the door or doorbell. If you’re unable to sit outside to hand out treats, clean and disinfect doorbells and knobs, handrails, and any other high touch surface often during the evening.
• If you are decorating, avoid props that can cause coughing, such as smoke machines.
• Help make trick-or-treating more accessible to everyone by handing out treats from the bottom of your stairs or at your curbside.

Consider launching a virtual competition with your neighbours for the best outdoor Halloween decorations or show kindness by sharing photos, or connecting virtually, instead of hugs with your loved ones who are more at risk. Be kind, be calm and be safe this Halloween.

October 5, 2020

We hope your summer was enjoyable and you have been able to safely spend time with friends and family. We welcomed visitors to our community this summer while staying safe, quite an accomplishment. As we move into fall, we understand there will be anxiety and concern for our residents as we navigate the pandemic. We are indeed fortunate there are no community transmissions on Central Vancouver Island at this time and although the Parksville-Qualicum Beach region and Vancouver Island are considered low risk, it is important we keep prevention measures top of mind, key in the coming months to limit the spread of the coronavirus as well as other seasonal colds and viruses.

We also recognize parents need to make decisions for their families about returning to school.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 this will help alleviate some of the concerns and uncertainty for parents. Emergency Management Oceanside, representing the Parksville Qualicum Beach region, continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic situation for our region and the emergency operations centre remains at Level 1 activation.

During the pandemic, the City’s priority has been the safety of our residents and staff. Although the Parksville Civic and Technology Centre remains closed to the public, our finance department is open to assist residents with limited services and reduced hours. Our staff is available during normal business hours by phone, email and by appointment.

Over the past six months, City staff have been very busy and continue to work on 2020 projects such as the Pym/Forsyth upgrades and Bagshaw Street upgrades. In the coming months, staff will present the results of the drainage plan and traffic flow study for the Parksville Community Park. Planning for 2021 capital projects such as Memorial Avenue streetscape, the new outdoor performance stage and the Rathtrevor trail continues. While ensuring City parks look spectacular, work continues on the annual tree maintenance program, a pedestrian bridge replacement in Shelly Creek Park South, along with many other projects.

Although we all missed Parksville’s iconic festivals and special events, we are pleased to have successfully and safely accommodated many requests for outdoor activities in our busy parks this summer. Our thanks to the organizations for their willingness to go the extra mile to comply with new COVID-19 regulations.

We encourage everyone to include a flu shot in your winter readiness plan, particularly important this winter so the medical system is not overwhelmed with seasonal illnesses. Pharmacies expect to receive the flu shots in mid-October, and many will facilitate online appointments closer to the date. As we head into fall and winter, we must recommit to flattening the curve. Please continue to respect the health protocols - physical distancing, small groups only, always wash your hands, stay home if sick - no exceptions, and wear a mask when distancing is not possible.

Now more than ever, we need to be kind, be calm and be safe. On behalf of Parksville Council, thank you for all you do to keep us safe and to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Council is always available to answer your questions, please email council@parksville.ca.

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:

• BC Centre for Disease Control
• Island Health
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• Senior Support Program - 211
• Medical COVID-19 information - 811
• Non-medical COVID-19 information - 1 888 268-4319
• Government of Canada Coronavirus info line - 1 833 784-4397

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

We take COVID-19 (Coronavirus) seriously and continue to follow the direction of the Provincial Health Ministry to deal with the situation in our region. Our priorities are the health, safety and well-being of the public and our employees. The City of Parksville and the Town of Qualicum Beach are maintaining the essential services our citizens rely upon.

As the pandemic continues and with the many visitors to the Parksville Qualicum Beach region at this time, it is extremely important to remain diligent and to follow the advice of the Provincial Health Officer by exercising an abundance of caution in dealing with COVID-19. The numbers are on the rise in BC again; we must do our part and recommit to flattening the curve once again.

Here's what you can do to help prevent the spread of coronavirus; just few simple habits:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or tissue, not your hands
• Look after your health and stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others
• Maintain physical distance a and keep your groups small (Fewer faces, bigger spaces)
• Practice safe, smart and respectful travel
• Be kind

If you haven't already done so, check our Dr Henry's Good Times Guide.

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:

• BC Centre for Disease Control
• Island Health
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• Senior Support Program - 211
• Medical COVID-19 information - 811
• Non-medical COVID-19 information - 1 888 268-4319
• Government of Canada Coronavirus info line - 1 833 784-4397

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