April 9, 2020
We know that these are unusual times for many who would normally see family and attend religious gatherings this weekend. We want to encourage you to continue practicing physical distancing now, so that we can hopefully get back to some form or normalcy, see our loved ones and move about freely once again soon. There will be many opportunities this weekend to enjoy the great outdoors, and Council has agreed that keeping our trails open provides residents with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and support our health and well-being. We do ask however, that you recreate responsibly. It's recommended to explore your own neighborhood as much as possible and not travel. Likewise, resist the urge while out walking to congregate and stop for a catch-up. A simple wave and greeting goes a long way.
Hang in there Qualicum Beach we can do this!
Stay Supported
The COVID-19 pandemic is new and unexpected, and can cause you to feel unsettled. Here are some of the services you can reach out to for support. You are not alone.
Oceanside Community Safety
Oceeanside Community Safety provides the Keeping In Touch (KIT) program, designed to assist seniors who may be concerned about living alone. Volunteers will call KIT clients each day between 9 and 10 am to check in and ensure they are OK. There is no fee for this service and new clients are welcome. Email
kit@oceansidecsv.org or call 250 752-2949 (Qualicum Beach) to register. Visit
www.oceansidecsv.org
Society of Organised Services (SOS)
SOS provides emergency assistance and advocacy program, as well as vouchers for residents in need. They also offer emotional support via their phone service. Call 250-248-2093 or visit
www.sosd69.com
BC 2-1-1
The BC Government's 2-1-1 phone line is there to assist seniors at home during the pandemic. Safe Seniors, Strong Communities is a program which matches seniors who need support with non-medical essentials to volunteers in their community willing to help. Call 2-1-1 or visit
www.bc211.ca
Crisis Services Canada
Available to all Canadians seeking support. Visit
Crisis Services Canada for the distress centres and crisis organizations nearest you, or call 1-833-456-4566.
Stay (Virtually) Connected
While many of you are already connected through the phone, email and video chat, here are some additional ways to get creative about connecting online: QB Seniors Activities Centre Online classes provide group activities such as dance classes, cards, yoga etc! Visit their website at
www.qbseniors.ca
Scrabble
The game has two players, but users can play multiple games at once. The classic version of Words With Friends is free and can be downloaded from the
App Store and
Google Play Store
Uno
A classic game of (online) UNO with friends might be the ideal boredom cure. Visit
Let's Play Uno.
Chess
There are many online chess sites where you can play anywhere, any time, in any way. Every day, players from around the world play more than 1 million chess games from home, work, and on the go. Visit
www.chess.com
Netflix
Party Netflix Party is a new feature that can be added as a Google Chrome browser extension. Once downloaded, a Netflix user can host a "party" by inviting others to watch a TV show or movie with them at the same time. Members of the virtual party can also talk via chat box. Visit
Netflix Party.
VIRL
You will be amazed at how many online resources the Vancouver Island Regional Library has online. Their digital resources include ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, music, learning tools and more, all available 24/7 with your library card. Visit their website at
www.virl.bc.ca
Bylaw Officer on Duty
During this time you may see things that concern you, and we want to assure you that our bylaw officer is out and about monitoring public areas. The bylaw officers role is to assist Heath Canada, and to monitor, document and pass onto Health Officers any concerns. Bylaw officers do not enforce, but rather educate the public on COVID-19 safety when a concern arises The Town's Bylaw officer, Don Marshall, would like to encourage everyone to focus on doing your part and he will focus on those that might need a reminder to do their part.
COVID-19 Information Sources
