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Dear Community,
Well the good news is that we are naturals at social distancing, given many in area D can’t even see their neighbors house. Further good news is that I know Area D residents are very resilient at working and supporting each other in times of need.
The bulletin below outlines what RDCK services are doing to manage public safety during the pandemic. What I would like to further suggest is:
– check in with those close to us
– is anyone stuck that may need supplies delivered?
– are there people who would be high risk that need support to stay home, help them do so
– staycation! We live in the perfect area to explore the great outdoors and our local restaurants, community programs and businesses remain open
– wash your hands!!! Like they have cayenne on them..
– please, with compassion, let’s work together to ensure those who show symptoms of illness are able to stay home
– testing is available in Kaslo and Nelson, please see posts on our community pages for more information
I have full faith in our community spirit that we will get through this and come out with stronger friendships as we work together. As I receive information, I will post to my Directors page.
Ps: the sun IS coming!
Update on March 13, 2020
The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) continues to work closely with the Provincial government, Interior Health Authority and other partner agencies to monitor the COVID-19 situation and respond appropriately.
The health and safety of our employees and the people in our communities is our first priority. We continue to follow the guidance of our local experts at BC Centres for Disease Control, at Health Canada and at other global health organizations to help prevent the spread of infection.
There are confirmed cases of COVID-19 in BC and Canada, but the risk to Canadians and to people in the RDCK continues to be low. However, the situation is evolving rapidly, and we remain ready to respond as needed.
Since January, senior leaders at the RDCK have been following the development of the outbreak with a focus on potential impacts to our business and ability to continue to provide services throughout the region. As of March 10, our Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was activated to a Level 1 to support the organization in preparing for possible impacts.
Please visit the RDCK website http://rdck.ca to find specific links to services available including what’s listed below .
RDCK offices and facilities
All RDCK offices and facilities remain open and operational during regular business hours.
We are undertaking enhanced cleaning of high touch areas, including door handles, elevator buttons, service counters and railings, in all of our facilities.
Some departments may be implementing social distancing, which means they may limit their contact with the public. Call the office first to ensure staff are available to assist you.
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms associated with the coronavirus (COVID-19)—fever, coughing, and shortness of breath—please stay home. If you have a compromised immune system or believe you might be vulnerable to infection, please consider whether you should limit your contact with others. Contact us by phone so we can determine the best way to assist you.
Public meetings, events and social gatherings
Events organized by the RDCK or rental events at RDCK facilities that host more than 250 people will be cancelled until further notice.
To protect yourself and others, the RDCK asks all citizens and visitors if they are sick or have flu-like symptoms, are returning from a COVID-19 affected area or have underlying health conditions that may be impacted by respiratory illness, to stay away from scheduled events, community facilities and large gatherings, as recommended by the Provincial Health Officer.
The RDCK will be rescheduling or cancelling non-essential public meetings and gatherings. Changes to planned meetings will be communicated on our website and on our social media accounts. For public meetings that do go ahead, if you are experiencing the flu-like symptoms, please stay home.
Notices of any event cancellations will be posted on this web page.
Recreation Centres and Community Complexes
All recreation centres and community complexes remain open at this time. Programming for March Break will proceed unless the situation changes and they must be cancelled or rescheduled. Information about cancellations will be posted on this web page.
Signs have been posted at all RDCK recreation centres advising that customers who are experiencing flu-like symptoms should stay home.
The RDCK encourages customers to make the best decisions for themselves to self-quarantine or to reduce their social contact.
Members can request a hold on their pass for any length not shorter than 2 weeks and up to a maximum of 6 months on time based passes including Personal Training.
- No doctor’s note required.
- Can be done over the phone.
Program registrants can withdraw from a Registered Program:
- Before Course Starts: The withdrawal fee is waived and an account credit will be placed on your account.
- After Course Starts: The withdrawal fee is waived and a pro-rated account credit will be placed on your account.
Renters of our facilities can cancel their events and Cancellation Fees will not be charged. Any pre-paid rentals will have an account credit placed on the groups or individuals account.
Resource Recovery – Landfills and transfer stations
RDCK landfills and transfer stations are operating according to their regular schedules. Visit the website for hours of operation. Please do not visit one of these facilities if you are feeling unwell, experiencing flu-like symptoms or have been potentially exposed to the coronavirus.
Transit
The RDCK and BC Transit are working together to protect the health and safety of West Kootenay Transit ridership. The BC Center for Disease Control and the Government of Canada are providing our partnership with regular updates regarding best practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19.
At the current time the risk to West Kootenay Transit users is low. We will continue to monitor the situation and work with authorities at the federal, provincial, and local government levels to prevent the spread of the disease.
To ensure our fleet is as safe as possible vehicles are cleaned daily. Advisory information will be posted onboard shortly.
RDCK employees
We are taking measures to help prevent the spread of infection amongst RDCK staff, so that we can continue to provide services across the region. These measures include the cancellation of non-essential business travel, remote working arrangements (where appropriate), and regular updates and advice on preventative behaviours and actions.
General guidelines
Proper hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection or spreading infection to others:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the washroom and when preparing food: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/hand-washing
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
- When coughing or sneezing cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand
- Dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible in a lined waste basket and wash your hands afterwards
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
- Elbow or toe tap instead of shaking hands
- Consider social distancing (1m personal space)
- Limit contact with anyone who is unwell
Learn more about protecting yourself and your family members from the following resources:
- BC Centre for Disease Control: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19
- BC Ministry of Health: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-feature/coronavirus-disease-covid-19
- Interior Health Authority: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/YourEnvironment/CommunicableDiseaseControl/Pages/Breaking-News-and-Info.aspx
- Health Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
If you and your family members develop symptoms, call your health‐care provider or 8‐1‐1 (BC Health Link) to discuss any need for testing and follow-up.
Please check the Canadian government website prior to any and all travel: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories