Wednesday, April 15, 2020 – 4:15pm
COVID-19 PANDEMIC UPDATE #21 – CITY OF NELSON
BC Government Extends State of Emergency Two More Weeks
The Premier provided an update today indicating that of the 4700 travelers who have returned from outside of Canada to BC since April 10th, only 84 of these people have required federal quarantine measures due to lack of a credible isolation-plan. Premier Horgan indicated the provision to have an isolation plan upon returning to the province is working well.
"The challenges remain and we need to focus over the next couple of weeks to maintain the course," Premier John Horgan said Wednesday. “We are starting to see the results of our sacrifice, dedication and hard work, and we must continue to be steadfast in our commitment to keep our communities safe — for ourselves, our loved ones and our workers on the front lines.” Over the past 24 hours, BC has reported 44 new confirmed cases, and three additional fatalities.
Request for Parents to Continue Childhood Immunization Program Dr. Bonnie Henry has asked parents and caregivers in BC to continue with the regular childhood immunization schedule for their children. She said it is important to know that immunization services are still available and will protect against other infectious diseases in our communities. We should not hesitate to book these essential appointments to protect our children. Dr. Henry also reiterated that it is safe to go the hospital or to call 9-1-1 if you need medical care and she does not want people to go without care in fear of COVID-19 or overburdening the health care system.
To read CBC story on importance of not missing vaccines: https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/measles-vaccine-coronavirus-1.5531343
More Flexible Rules for Claiming Canada Emergency Response Benefit Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced more flexible rules for claiming the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) in response to critics who pointed out the initial rules excluded students and people working reduced hours. He also announced a wage boost for essential workers who make less than $2,500 a month, including those working in long-term care facilities for the elderly. Seasonal workers and those who have recently run out of employment insurance will now also be eligible for CERB. People who make less than $1,000 a month due to reduced work hours will also qualify.
Read the full article from CBC here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/cerb-emergency-benefits-trudeau-1.5532767 To apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit Program, visit: https://www.canada.ca/…/s…/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html or call 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041 Private Liquor Store Hours Extended
The provincial government has temporarily allowed private retail liquor stores to operate between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. daily, if they choose to do so. These time-limited measures should provide seniors and immuno-compromised populations the opportunity to buy liquor during early shopping hours already being provided by other retailers, such as grocery stores.
Read the full news release here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020AG0031-000694
Private Liquor Store Hours Extended
The provincial government has temporarily allowed private retail liquor stores to operate between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. daily, if they choose to do so. These time-limited measures should provide seniors and immuno-compromised populations the opportunity to buy liquor during early shopping hours already being provided by other retailers, such as grocery stores.
Read the full news release here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020AG0031-000694
Support for Commercial Truck Drivers in BC
Commercial truck drivers play an important role in maintaining the supply chain by delivering essential goods during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to improve travel for commercial truck drivers, the BC Government is funding the installation of portable toilets at several commercial vehicle pull-outs, inspection stations and chain-up locations throughout the province. The drivers ensure people around the province continue to have access to the items they need, including food and medicine. This is why it is crucial that commercial truck drivers have safe and clean facilities.
Read the full news release here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020TRAN0056-000690
BC and National Parks Closed to Visitors until May 31st
Parks Canada is calling on all Canadians to stay home and help limit the spread of COVID-19. Camping, group activities and events at all national parks, national historic sites, heritage canals and national marine conservation areas are suspended until at least May 31, 2020. In line with BC Provincial Parks, the current suspension of visitor services and vehicle access by visitors, as well as the temporary closure of visitor facilities, will remain in place until further notice. BC Parks reports that while many people are observing the physical distancing requirements set by the Provincial Health Officer, some continue to ignore the order, making enforcement in a wilderness setting challenging.
Read the full National Park media release here: https://www.canada.ca/en/parks-canada/news/2020/04/to-help-limit-the-spread-of-covid-19-parks-canada-suspends-camping-group-activities-and-events-across-the-country-until-at-least-may-31-2020.html
Read the full BC Parks media release here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020ENV0019-000645
The BC Government has provided the following information today:
COVID-19 Cases:
- Total cases in BC to date: 1561
- 670 in Vancouver Coastal Health
- 623 in Fraser Health
- 92 in Island Health
- 146 in Interior Health (Up 5 cases in 24 hrs)
- 30 in Northern Health
- Total recovered cases in BC: 955
- Total new cases in BC: 44
- Total fatalities in BC to date: 75
- Total cases in Canada: 28379
- Total fatalities in Canada: 1058
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Reminders:
For mental health support, please visit:
Wellness Together Canada : https://ca.portal.gs/
Anxiety Canada : https://www.anxietycanada.com/
BounceBack BC : https://bouncebackbc.ca/
Which businesses are open in Nelson?
https://www.nelsonkootenaylake.com/news
To help provide important information to our community, the City of Nelson has developed a dedicated webpage nelson.ca/covid19 that will be updated frequently as new information becomes available. Please sign-up for ‘City News’ on NotifyMe to receive automatic updates from the City via text or email.
The City of Nelson relies on Interior Health, BC Public Health, and the Federal Government for information related to the virus itself. If you believe you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, please contact your physician, or call the COVID-19 telephone line at 1-888-COVID19, to be assessed or call the testing clinic hotline at (250) 551-7500 to be triaged for testing.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include coughing, fever, sore throat, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms may not present themselves for up to 14 days, but you may be a carrier of the virus; therefore it is important to follow the guidelines set out by the health experts.
To check your symptoms or get updates from the BC Government you can download the BC COVID-19 App or visit this website
We thank you for doing your part to help maintain a safe and healthy community and for understanding the importance of this evolving situation.
Information from the BC Center for Disease Control on COVID-19
Media Contact:
Ginger Lester, EOC Information Officer glester@nelson.ca
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