COVID-19 Emergency Centre Update - September 17, 2020

The Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) is now posting COVID-19 data by ‘Health Service Delivery Area’. All communities within the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District are located in the Central Vancouver Island, in addition to Qualicum Beach, Parksville, Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Duncan, and Lake Cowichan. As of September 16, 2020, there were 4 active COVID-19 cases in the Central Vancouver Island area. VIHA updates this information regularly on their website, under ‘Current Data’ found here: www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/outbreaks-and-exposures

Children returned to school this week and are learning new routines and expectations. 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 knowing this will help to alleviate some of the concerns and uncertainty for parents. Regular updates from School District 70 can be found here: www.sd70.bc.ca/. Updates for École des Grands-Cèdres can be found here: grandscedres.csf.bc.ca/. Updates for St. John Paul II Catholic School can be found here: www.jp2nd.ca/.

COVID-19 Testing

Anyone who is concerned that they may have been exposed to, or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should use the self-assessment tool bc.thrive.health/ to see if they need testing before calling the COVID-19 Testing Call Centre. Testing is available for individuals experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. COVID-19 Call Centre 1-844-901-8442.

BC now offers two option for COVID-19 testing in children and youth. The COVID-19 gargle and mouth rinse test is available for most school-aged children from kindergarten through grade 12. The nose swab is used for younger children or those that may not be able to follow the swish, gargle and spit instructions. http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing/children-youth.

Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District

The ACRD Administration office is open by appointment only. Please call 250-720-2700 to speak to a staff member to schedule an appointment. ACRD staff are also available to continue to serve the public over the phone, via virtual meeting, or via email. www.acrd.bc.ca/district-staff-list

City of Port Alberni

Earlier this week, City of Port Alberni council directed staff to reopen the Echo ’67 Aquatic Centre in October 2020. Stay tuned for schedule details. City staff continue to serve the public over the phone, virtual meetings, or via email. www.portalberni.ca/staff-directory

Stay Informed

Search out reliable COVID-19 information by visiting these sites:

Vancouver Island Health Authority
www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19

BC Centre for Disease Control
www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19

The Alberni Valley Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) remains open at Level 1 and will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic situation.