The District of Squamish is working to share information and operational updates as we support efforts to slow transmission of COVID-19 and help keep our community healthy. We are following the recommendations of British Columbia's Ministry of Health and Vancouver Coastal Health.
Where to get tested in Squamish:
Squamish Assessment Centre
(located at the former Shady Tree Pub site)
40456 Government Rd., Squamish, B.C. (map)
Open daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Squamish General Hospital
38140 Behrner Dr. Squamish, B.C. (map)
Emergency Department
Open daily, 24 hours a day, for those with severe symptoms.
The District of Squamish is developing and executing plans to evolve our operations in line with the BC Restart Plan. It’s important to note that many District services have continued to operate, but without front counter service. Parks and trails have remained open on District land.
The Province’s Phase 3 was in place June 24, 2020.
BC's Restart Plan was announced May 6, 2020
Learn about the four phases toward a 'new normal'.
If you are at greater risk (over the age of 60 or with underlying medical conditions), be informed of your risk, think through your risk tolerance and take extra precautions.
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) expanded access to COVID-19 testing in late April. Anyone in the VCH region with cold, influenza or COVID-19-like symptoms, however mild, can now be assessed for and get a COVID-19 test. Testing can be done through a primary care provider, walk-in clinic, urgent and primary care centre or community collection centre.
Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses including the common cold. They include: fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, painful swallowing, loss of sense of smell, headache, muscle aches, fatigue or loss of appetite.
COVID-19 testing is not recommended for people without symptoms.
Contact your physician or nurse practitioner’s office, or a local community collection centre to arrange for a test. Phone numbers and locations of collection centre can be found here or by calling 8-1-1.
More information: www.vch.ca/COVID19.
Watch: Mayor Karen Elliott speaks to #Squamish residents on the importance of following the current public health order, connecting with others, and making small sacrifices to protect our community and to help to keep our schools and businesses open. (November 13, 2020)
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the Public Health Order here: http://www.vch.ca/Documents/201111F%20Regional%20Orders%20General%20FHVCH.pdf
Follow the BC Centre for Disease Control tips on hosting safer celebrations and ceremonies here: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/social-interactions/safer-celebrations-and-ceremonies
Watch: Mayor Elliott speaks to Squamish residents on what we've learned and how we can give back during this very different holiday season.
Follow us on Twitter @Squamishtown and Facebook for updates as they happen.
Please visit the Resources for Business page.
Novel Coronavirus Information: 1.833.784.4397
Health Information: 8-1-1
Download the App to access the self-assessment tool, resources, statistics and more.
There is no specific treatment for COVID-19. Many of the symptoms can be managed with home treatment such as drinking plenty of fluids, rest and using a humidifier or hot shower to ease a cough or sore throat. Most people recover from coronaviruses on their own. For people who develop a more serious illness, supportive care in or out of hospital may be needed.
For more information on what you can do if you have symptoms, see:
Source: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-feature/coronavirus-disease-covid-19
Complete the B.C. Ministry of Health Self-Assessment Tool for assessment and direction, or download the App to access the self-assessment tool, resources, statistics and more.
The Government of Canada COVID-19 site provides information and resources for citizens, travelers, workers, businesses, health professionals, and communities.
The site also provides downloadable and printable resources for:
Twitter: @CDCofBC
RSS feed: http://feeds.phsa.ca/bccdc-news.xml
The federal government has announced an emergency benefits package to help affected Canadians. The measures include changes to Employment Insurance (EI), Canada Student Loans, Passport Services and more. To learn more about these measures, please visit the COVID-19 Employment and Social Development Canada website.
An Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit for those affected by COVID-19 but who don't qualify for EI, are not able to work and don't have sick leave has also been announced. To learn more about available support options, visit the Government of Canada COVID-19 Economic Response Plan website.
Providing up to $500 a month to help renters and landlords during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Program Overview
As part of the province’s $5 billion action plan, the BC Temporary Rental Supplement Program gives tenants and landlords temporary support towards rent payments for renters impacted by COVID-19. Payments are made directly to the landlords of eligible households.
This new program will provide a temporary rental supplement for April, May and June 2020. It will cover part of the rent for low- and moderate-income renters who have lost income as a result of COVID-19. Applicants will only have to apply once. If they apply in April, they will get payments for all three month. If they apply in May, they will get payments for the two remaining months. It is expected that the first payments will be provided before the end of April.
The program gives $300 per month for eligible households with no dependents, and $500 per month for eligible households with dependents.
Visit the BC Housing website for details.
Visit the Mental Health section of the Vancouver Coastal Health website for "Five steps to manage COVID-19 stress, anxiety and depression.
April 9: New virtual mental health supports for COVID-19 on the way
To ensure British Columbians have increased access to vital mental health supports during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Province has announced $5 million to expand existing mental health programs and services and launch new services to support British Columbians.
Enhanced virtual services will help all British Columbians with mental health needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on adults, youth and front-line health care workers. The funding will also increase access for Indigenous communities and those living in rural and remote parts of the province. It will provide more options for people living with mental health challenges who are currently unable to access in-person supports.
Existing services are being scaled up rapidly to meet increased need while new services are being implemented. Several services are available and online, while others will come online April 20, 2020. See the backgrounder below for details.
The local health community has shared the following information as medical practitioners adapt to new ways of seeing patients in Squamish for non COVID-19 related issues.
If you seek medical care in our community, please do the following:
- Diamond Head Medical Clinic: 604.892.3544
- Elaho Medical Clinic: 604.892.5688
- Squamish Medical Clinic: 604.892.3535
Thank you to all of our health practitioners working round the clock to prepare our hospitals and clinics for COVID-19.
The BC Provincial Government has announced a $5-billion economic action plan to support British Columbians affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
Visit the Province of B.C. website for full details.
CBC News is tracking and summarizing financial support options as more funds and programs become available. Click here to the read article.
The District is currently coordinating with Vancouver Coastal Health, the Sea to Sky Child care Resource Referral Office, Sea to Sky Community Services and School District 48 to help to facilitate required care and support essential services workers during this COVID response period.
Please see important updates on the Ministry of Children & Family Development Response to COVID-19, including public health guidance for child care settings, Q&As for the child care sector, as well as funding for childcare providers, and family subsidies through the Affordable Child Care Benefit.
Help spread the word - social distancing is critical in the effort to slow the transmission of COVID-19.
Download and share these "Social Distancing - It's Critical!" resources:
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