COVID-19 Alberni Valley Response

Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools can be found on the BCCDC webiste: www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/childcare-schools/schools

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.

BC Transit, in alignment with Translink and other transportation agencies, will be proceeding with mandatory use of face coverings on buses in BC Transit communities across the Province as of August 24.

Exemptions for BC Transit’s mandatory face covering policy include:

• Anyone with an underlying medical condition or disability which inhibits the ability to wear a mask or face covering;
• Persons unable to place or remove a mask or face covering without assistance;
• Children under 5 years of age;
• Employees working behind a physical barrier or within areas designated for employees and not for public access; and
• Police, employees, or first responders in an emergency situation.

We recognize the advice from health professionals, including Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, has been to wear face coverings when physical distancing is not possible including on transit vehicles. Customers have indicated making the use of face coverings mandatory will create a more comfortable environment.

While face coverings will be mandatory, the policy will be implemented as an educational step without enforcement. The educational position is aligned with Translink and other transit agencies in Canada.

WorkSafe BC: https://www.worksafebc.com/en

British Columbians will be able to get back to playing sports sooner with the Province’s action to protect amateur sport organizations from COVID-19 liabilities, provided they are complying with public health orders and provincial sport guidelines.

Government has created a ministerial order that protects amateur sport organizations, their employees and volunteers from liability.

“We want to make sure children and their families can get the benefits of physical activity and get back to playing the sports they love,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “Many sports organizations are run by volunteers who need to make sure they are protected for risks related to COVID-19. This order will help cover that risk so people can safely get back to playing sports sooner in their communities.”

Provincial and local sport organizations have identified challenges with obtaining adequate insurance as a result of the pandemic. Most insurance companies are not providing coverage for COVID-19 related damages, meaning many amateur sports were unable to provide sport programming during the pandemic.

The ministerial order protects amateur sport organizations and their representatives from damages resulting, directly or indirectly, from COVID-19 for amateur sports. For example, a sports organization or its representatives will not be liable for a participant in their sports program being exposed to COVID-19 as a result of participation. That liability protection would be in place as long as they follow applicable guidance, such as viaSport’s Return to Sport protocols and public-health guidance on how to prevent the spread of the virus. This guidance includes encouraging proper handwashing, regular disinfecting, limiting shared equipment, physical distancing measures and the use of wellness questionnaires and health self-assessment tools.

"We are thrilled that sport is making its return in the province. Today's announcement is welcome news for our partners in the amateur sport sector,” said Charlene Krepiakevich, CEO of viaSport. “This co-ordinated response to address concerns around volunteer and staff liability means that these not-for-profit organizations can focus on delivering safe, high-quality sport experiences for the people in their communities."

To view the ministerial order, visit: http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/mo/mo/2020_m183

To learn more about viaSport and the Return to Sport Guidelines, visit: https://www.viasport.ca/sites/default/files/ReturntoSportGuidelines.pdf

VICTORIA – The B.C. government has formally extended the provincial state of emergency, allowing Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, to continue to use extraordinary powers under the Emergency Program Act to support the Province's COVID-19 pandemic response.

“As we continue to slowly and carefully reopen our economy, British Columbians are starting to see aspects of normal life return. But it's important to remember that we’re not out of the woods yet,” said Premier John Horgan. “There are a lot of people, businesses and communities that continue to need a hand right now, and the extension of this state of emergency helps us do that.”

The state of emergency is extended through the end of the day on June 23, 2020, allowing government to continue to take the necessary steps to keep British Columbians safe.

“Under the provincial state of emergency, our government continues to address the variety of needs throughout British Columbia in response to COVID-19,” Farnworth said. “We’ve been working with communities throughout this crisis, and the provincial state of emergency helps ensure our efforts continue in a mindful and co-ordinated way.”

For more information, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/home

WorkSafeBC is actively monitoring and adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic to determine health and safety needs to best support workers, providers and employers around the province. WorkSafeBC is working to support the direction of public health agencies for slowing the progression of COVID-19 by helping workplaces to take appropriate preventative measures.

Every employer is required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan that assesses the risk of exposure at their workplace and implements measures to keep their workers safe. As part of this safety plan, employers will complete the following six steps:

Step 1: Assess the risks at your workplace

Step 2: Implement protocols to reduce the risks

Step 3: Develop policies

Step 4: Develop communication plans and training

Step 5: Monitor your workplace and update your plans as necessary

Step 6: Assess and address risks for resuming operations

WorkSafeBC has released industry-specific guidelines and resources, as well as a plan template to assist organizations in the development of their COVID-19 Safety Plan. Businesses in all sectors are required to use these guidelines and resources to develop their COVID-19 safety plans and post those plans for employees and customers.

WorkSafeBC will continuously update information, make modifications as necessary and they will be reviewing plans with employers during workplace inspections. Please be reminded that in accordance with the order of the Provincial Health Officer, this plan must be posted at the worksite. During a WorkSafeBC inspection, employers will be asked about the steps they have taken to protect their workers and to show their plan.

For further information:

• WorkSafe BC Information Line: 1-888-621-SAFE (7233)
• Visit: www.worksafebc.com

The Canada Border Services Agency is announcing that as of June 8, 2020 23:59 EDT, foreign nationals who are immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, and who do not have COVID-19 or exhibit any signs or symptoms of COVID-19, or who do not have reason to believe they have COVID-19, will be exempt from the prohibition on entry to Canada if entering to be with an immediate family member for a period of at least 15 days. Foreign nationals who are admitted into Canada pursuant to this exemption must quarantine for 14 days.

An immediate family member refers to a person’s:

a) spouse or common-law partner;

b) dependent child, as defined in section 2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, or

a dependent child of the person’s spouse or common-law partner;

c) dependent child, as defined in section 2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, of

a dependent child referred to in paragraph (b):

d) parent or step-parent or the parent or step-parent of the person’s spouse or common-law partner;

e) guardian or tutor.

All foreign nationals who have COVID-19 or exhibit any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 continue to remain prohibited from entering Canada.

This change does not apply to immediate family members of temporary residents in Canada, such as those on a student or work visa.

For more information, contact: Border Information Service, Canada Border Services Agency at contact@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca or 1-800-461-9999

After successfully reintroducing additional knowledge tests on May 4th, ICBC will now be expanding appointments to include all knowledge tests effective June 1st.

Starting today, customers can call to book an appointment for all types of knowledge tests at offices throughout the province. Locations offering testing and their availability can be confirmed when booking an appointment. Scheduled appointments will allow ICBC to provide an important service to customers while ensuring our commitment to physical distancing guidelines.

Due to anticipated demand, ICBC is encouraging customers to come prepared by studying the learning guides and taking the practice knowledge test several times to give them a greater chance of qualifying on the first attempt.

Customers can call ICBC's driver licence contact centre at 1-800-950-1498 and leave a voicemail message requesting a knowledge test. Customers will receive a callback from an ICBC representative, who will identify available testing locations and book the appointment. All appointments will be 45 minutes per knowledge test and the number of available appointments will vary depending on location. ICBC will not be offering stand-by appointments at this time. Translation services for knowledge testing will also be reinstated effective June 1st adhering to WorkSafeBC guidelines.

The expansion of knowledge testing is part of ICBC's ongoing commitment to support customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ICBC is putting extensive effort into a plan to safely resume road testing, which includes engaging with staff and WorksafeBC on the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, which we are working actively to source. There is no timeline yet for resumption but progress is being made and ICBC will keep customers informed.

ICBC continues to consult with WorkSafeBC and follow the advice of the provincial authorities to find ways to resume further operations that ensure the health and safety of our customers and staff.

For more information, visit: www.icbc.com

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) and the City of Port Alberni (CPA) have developed a joint COVID-19 Path to Recovery Plan to promote physical, social and mental wellbeing, guide the reopening of businesses and workspaces, restart community engagement, strengthen communication, maintain the health and safety of residents and rebuild our resilient economy.

The COVID-19 response will have a long recovery and as we move through this process, we will need to be patient, understanding, flexible and adaptable to emerging direction and guidelines that will keep our community safe and healthy. The Path to Recovery Plan intends to chart a pathway for recovery while taking direction from the Provincial Health Officer.

The Plan is a working document that is responsive to developing circumstances within the region. The strategies and timelines are tied to directives of the Provincial Health Officer to allow for recovery actions that are fluid and reactive to the evolving situation while fitting within the COVID-19 response and recovery framework provided by the Province.

During this uncertain time, we are all looking for a clear direction forward. This plan has been developed to provide a framework that outlines the next steps to reengage, reopen and revitalize our community. The Alberni Valley is resilient and strong and together through cooperation, collaboration and preparation, we will prevail.

As we enter this new phase towards recovery, steps will be slow, cautious and deliberate. We will follow the guidance of the Provincial Health Officer and will alter our intended course when necessary to ensure the safety of our residents. We will continue to monitor the impacts of COVID-19 globally, nationally, provincially and locally to guide our steps along this path and adjust accordingly.

Our “new normal” will be guided by necessary precautions to keep residents safe and include provincially recommended health practices that will remain in effect for the months ahead:

1. Stay informed, be prepared and follow public health advice

2. Wash hands, avoid touching your face and use respiratory etiquette

3. Stay home and away from others if you are feeling ill – with no exceptions

4. Maintain physical distancing (no handshakes or hugs, keep your number of contacts low and keep a safe distance)

5. Make necessary contacts safer with appropriate controls (e.g. use barriers, alter schedules & redesign spaces)

6. Increase cleaning of frequently touched surfaces at home and work

7. Consider using non-medical masks in situations where physical distancing can’t be maintained (transit or shopping)

8. Continuing to minimize non-essential personal travel

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District Emergency Operations Centre: 250-724-1356

email: eocoperations@acrd.bc.ca

websites: www.letsconnectpa.ca/covid-19 / www.acrd.bc.ca / www.portalberni.ca