COVID-19 Alberni Valley Response

Customers are encouraged to stay home and avoid non-essential travel for Victoria Day long weekend

In keeping with direction provided by the Province of British Columbia last week, BC Ferries continues to advise customers to avoid non-essential travel at this time, including the upcoming Victoria Day long weekend.

Many communities served by BC Ferries have issued advisories to travellers notifying them of limited supplies, healthcare equipment and resources. These communities include Haida Gwaii, Southern Gulf Islands, Northern Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast. Customers should inform themselves of local situations and remain committed to essential travel only.

BC Ferries is dedicated to providing a safe and healthy travel experience for its passengers and employees. For those that need to travel, additional measures have been put in place to keep customers and crew healthy and safe including limiting passenger capacity by 50 per cent to support physical distancing, allowing customers to remain in their vehicles during the sailing and enhanced cleaning. Please note all food and retail outlets at terminals and on board our ships are closed until further notice. This includes vending machines.

As routes are operating at 50 per cent passenger capacity, the Southern Gulf Islands – Metro Vancouver route has limited service on the Sunday and holiday Monday. Only customers with bookings and correctly identified passenger numbers are assured they will be accommodated on the sailing.

Transport Canada encourages customers to wear face coverings to cover their mouth and nose during travel if they cannot maintain physical distance from others while on board. In addition, for any route longer than 30 minutes, BC Ferries will continue screening all customers for COVID19 symptoms and restrict travel to any customer that does not meet the screening requirements, as per the federal guidelines.

As this situation is rapidly evolving, BC Ferries encourages customers to monitor the website for any additional changes to service. For full details on service changes and the measures BC Ferries is taking in response to COVID-19, visit bcferries.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 well-being, 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

British Columbians will move forward with safely restarting their province beginning in mid-May.

The government will work closely with public health officials, businesses and labour organizations to lift restrictions in phases, gradually allowing for more social and economic activity, while closely monitoring health information to minimize the risk to the public.

B.C. is currently in Phase 1 of the restart plan. Phase 2, which will begin in mid-May, includes:

small social gatherings; a resumption of elective surgeries and regulated health services like physiotherapy, dentistry, chiropractors and in-person counselling; provincial parks open for day use; opening more non-essential businesses in keeping with safe operations plans; recalling the provincial legislature for regular sittings.

Essential businesses that have remained open during the pandemic, so far, have done so safely with the support of WorkSafeBC. Government will build on this successful experience by supporting all businesses as they take steps toward a successful reopening. Sectors that were ordered closed will be asked to work with WorkSafeBC to develop plans to reopen safely. WorkSafeBC is developing industry-specific guidance to help employers bring workers and customers back safely. Any business restarting operations must ensure it is in compliance with the provincial health officer’s orders and in accordance with occupational health and safety guidance provided by WorkSafeBC.

The target date for the start of Phase 3, which will include opening up of additional businesses and services, is between June and September 2020, if transmission rates remain low or in decline.

Phase 4 will only be achieved when the threat of COVID-19 has been significantly diminished through widespread vaccination, broad successful treatments, evidence of community immunity, or the equivalent.

Most provincial parks will reopen, starting May 14, for day-use only. On June 1, many remaining facilities, including campgrounds, will reopen. A small number of parks that attract large crowds, or where reopening would pose a health risk to nearby communities, will remain closed.

A strong emphasis on personal hygiene for all British Columbians, including hand washing, physical distancing and staying at home if you are sick, will be crucial for the success of every phase of the plan.

While B.C. already has sufficient testing and tracking capacity, by continuing to increase these, government will be able to identify any flare ups in COVID-19 case numbers and address them. This approach will support public safety and confidence.

“Today, we’ve unveiled our plan for a slow and safe restart. We need to be vigilant, to make sure we keep flattening the curve of transmission,” Premier Horgan said. “There is much more to do. But we will get through this pandemic to better days by working together and keeping each other safe.”

For the full news release visit: news.gov.bc.ca

Testing is recommended for anyone with cold, influenza or COVID-19-like symptoms, even mild ones. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat and painful swallowing, stuffy or runny nose, loss of sense of smell, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, loss of appetite. To learn more visit: http://ow.ly/usva50zoSz8
Alberni Valley Collection Centre: 1-844-901-8442

With the start of boating season in British Columbia now well underway, I know many of you are heading out on the water as an alternative to other outdoor activities that are currently restricted or discouraged, or are planning to use your vessel as a way to self isolate. As part of a long and proud tradition, mariners have always come to the aid of others on the water. Today, on behalf of the Canadian Coast Guard, I am asking all mariners to once again come to the aid of others by avoiding nonessential trips and consider staying close to home to save lives as our country works to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Already this year, Coast Guard has responded to a greater number of Search and Rescue calls in British Columbia as compared to the same time last year. With each response, our Search and Rescue specialists put themselves at risk of exposure to COVID-19 and use precious supplies of Personal Protective Equipment that is also much needed by critical care workers. Coast Guard continues to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to keep mariners safe, but unnecessary boating trips increase the risk to our operations and our ability to respond.

You should also be aware that most small coastal communities in British Columbia have closed their villages to visitors to protect their families. Your presence in an area could have a serious impact on vulnerable community members, and if you were to get sick, strain the limited health care resources of that community. If you choose to travel or self isolate, you may not have access to fuel, supplies and other services in those communities.

And finally, if you have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 or are feeling sick, please don't get on a boat. Home and within close proximity to health care is the best place you can be right now. If you are on the water and become involved in a marine emergency, please let Coast Guard know if you have any flu-like symptoms when you call for assistance so we can best protect our crews and inform any vessels of opportunity who respond.

As both a professional and a recreational mariner, I know how tempting it is to get on your boat and escape the restrictions we are all currently living under. But we are also navigating uncharted waters right now, and it is up to all of us to do our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 so that one day soon, we can fully enjoy the peace and beauty of coastal British Columbia. I know that seafarers are both self-reliant and fairly cautious. It's time to take those principles to heart, keeping an eye to being on the water without impacting others.

The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce has developed a concise listing of Businesses that indicates whether they are currently open, partially open, doing Take-Out, Delivery or perhaps closed for the time being. Within the listing are notes and links to their FACEBOOK and/or Websites. The listing is updated frequently, almost daily to ensure that the most up to date information is available to the public. Please visit the landing page of our website: www.albernichamber.ca where you’ll find the listing in an ‘air table’ format. Best to expand the screen for the most benefit.

The Chamber can also post ‘events’ on our calendar such as ‘reopen’ dates and other such messages aimed at assisting the business community in getting the word out. You do not need to be a member to take advantage of this service. Please contact Bill at the Chamber, via email with updates so that they can be included in the Community Calendar. This is a new feature we are offering so let’s get it populated for all to benefit, including our businesses. Find the calendar here: https://albernichamber.ca/event-calendar#cid=1641&wid=801

Any business needing specific support or Advocacy on their behalf should contact Bill for that assistance. We have a direct line to the Provincial and National Chambers as well as the MLA and MP. We’re in this together.

As of today, the Province has secured nearly 300 additional spaces in communities throughout B.C. for people leaving violent or unstable situations, with more spaces to come. These are in addition to more than 100 transition houses and safe homes that the Province funds on an ongoing basis.

If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or abuse, please contact VictimLinkBC at 1 800 563-0808 or by email: VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca. They can connect you to these supports and are available to help 24/7 with service in multiple languages.

Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot is offering loans and consulting to businesses in our region.

Emergency Business Loans - up to $20,000 per business at a pre-approved interest rate of 2.95%, no payments for up to first 6 months, amortization/term up to 60 months, waiver of application fee and no penalty for early payout. https://cfac.ca/loans

Consulting - 3 skilled business professionals offering confidential, no-charge business support. Discuss any topic - business continuity, navigating COVID-19 funding, loss of income, preparing for post COVID-19 customer service, business plan pivoting, re-starts or exits. https://cfac.ca/ info@cfac.ca 250.724.1241

As part of British Columbia’s emergency COVID-19 response plan, the Province is doubling this year’s funding for Family Caregivers of British Columbia to $1 million, helping support both caregivers and seniors.

Family Caregivers of B.C. is a not-for-profit organization that supports people who are caring for elderly loved ones, family or friends. With a network of local agencies throughout B.C., Family Caregivers will increase the capacity of its helpline and offer a number of virtual connections that can bring family caregivers together.

This funding will allow Family Caregivers of B.C. to enhance services during the COVID-19 pandemic, so caregivers get the increased support they need to help seniors remain at home, such as expanded toll-free support line hours, emotional supports and health-care navigation.

Seniors and people who are caring for elderly loved ones, family or friends in need of supports can call 211 or 1 877 520-3267 (toll-free) or visit: http://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/ .

Students from the LGBTQ2S+ community, who may be feeling vulnerable and disconnected from their peers and schools, now have more virtual opportunities to connect with each other during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the first time, B.C.'s Gay-Straight or Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) meet-ups will be held virtually rather than in person, where students can join their friends online or over the phone.

For full details and additional supports visit: news.gov.bc.ca. More information about hosting GSAs, including how students can control their display names on virtual platforms, and links to provincial resources for LGBTQ2S+ children and youth, are available online:www.sogieducation.org/all-educators