EMO What's New

March 6, 2020

Recent news stories indicate that the Coronavirus, now known as COVID-19, is continuing to spread.

The World Health Organization is considering declaring the situation a worldwide pandemic and according to the WHO, a pandemic is the consistent spread of a new disease around the world in a population that has not yet gained immunity to it.

The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and the BC Ministry of Health are closely monitoring the situation and will provide guidance. The Town will follow the advice and guidance of Island Health, which has the expertise to assess the level of risk posed by a pandemic influenza such as the coronavirus.

In the event of a COVID-19 pandemic situation, the Town's main role is to protect staff, so healthy employees can continue to provide and maintain service levels for our residents. The Town has plans in place that will be activated should an outbreak of COVID-19 be declared.
In an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19, the Ministry of Health and BCCDC are encouraging people to take the following actions:

- Stay home should there be signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
- When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue or sleeve to cover your mouth.
- Wash hands multiple times a day.

Unless you have travelled to one of the areas where COVID-19 is spreading, or have been in close contact with someone who has and is feeling unwell, your chances of getting it are currently low.
When new information is issued by the BCCDC and Ministry of Health, we will provide an update. There are a number of websites you can also go to for more information:

BC Centre for Disease Control: http://www.bccdc.ca/about/news-stories/stories/2020/information-on-novel-coronavirus

Travel recommendations: http://www.travel.gc.ca/

International information: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-
coronavirus-2019

Daniel Sailland
Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Qualicum Beach
250 752 6921
dsailland@qualicumbeach.