COVID-19
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.
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 2 is now in place as of mid-May. Our Business Continuity plan is looking at how to re-open front counter service at Municipal Hall to ensure the safety of staff and patrons. We are also developing plans for the Squamish Public Library and the recreation facilities and amenities. In all cases, the conditions of opening facilities to the public will be contingent upon providing a safe environment for staff and patrons in line with the Province’s requirements and guidelines, especially as they pertain to limiting gatherings to less than 50 people, and the continued requirement to physically distance. Stay tuned.
BC's Restart Plan
BC's Restart Plan was announced May 6, 2020
Learn about the four phases toward a 'new normal'.
Current Health Authority recommendations:
- Stay informed, be prepared and follow public health advice
- Practice good hygiene
- Frequent hand washing
- Avoid touching face
- Cough into your sleeve
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces
- Stay at home and away from others if you’re feeling ill
- Don’t go to school or work sick
- Maintain physical distancing outside your household
- No handshaking or hugging
- Small numbers of contacts
- Keep a safe distance
- Clean your home and workspace more often
- Consider using non-medical masks when physical distancing isn’t possible
- On transit
- Shopping
- In personal settings when seeing friends and family who don’t live with you:
- Only get together in small groups of around 2 to 6 people and keep a physical distance
- Stay home and away from others if you have cold or flu symptoms
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.
BC Parks
BC Parks re-opened in some cases for day use beginning May 14. Some parks and sections of parks in Squamish have remained closed. Visit the BC Parks website for park status before visiting.
Have symptoms? Get tested for COVID-19
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 checks in with Squamish residents on re-opening and re-engaging in this new phase of community life. (May 22, 2020).
Recent District of Squamish Updates
- District of Squamish amends financial plan in response to COVID-19, May 6
- District of Squamish partakes in multi-agency effort to support long weekend safety, April 9
- Sea to Sky RCMP response for Easter weekend, April 9
- District of Squamish is working with partners to lobby Province for support to address high visitor numbers, April 6
- Facilities update: removal of portable toilets, improved access to washroom and shower facilities, March 28
- Statement on physical distancing and enforcement, March 27
- District of Squamish lays out operational plan for coming weeks, March 27
- Playgrounds in Squamish are being closed by District of Squamish crews, March 22
- ‘Please stay home for now’ says District of Squamish to visitors, March 22
- Mayor urges social distancing, March 19
- Significant adjustments to facilities operations, March 16
- A message from Mayor Karen Elliott, March 13
- Guns and Hoses Charity Hockey Game postponed until further notice, March 12
Follow us on Twitter @Squamishtown and Facebook for updates as they happen.
Resources for Businesses
Please visit the Resources for Business page.
Stay informed through official information sources on COVID 19
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Official health links
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Speak to someone
Novel Coronavirus Information: 1.833.784.4397
Health Information: 8-1-1
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Download the COVID-19 App
Download the App to access the self-assessment tool, resources, statistics and more.
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How do you treat COVID-19?
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:
- Colds
- Fever or Chills, Age 12 and Older
- Fever or Chills, Age 11 & Younger
- Respiratory Problems, Age 11 and Younger
- Respiratory Problems, Age 12 and Older
Source: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-feature/coronavirus-disease-covid-19
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Concerned about exposure to COVID-19 or symptoms you are experiencing?
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.
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Government of Canada resources
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:
- Social Distancing
- Self-monitoring, self-isolation and isolation
- Cleaning and disinfecting public spaces
- For travellers without symptoms returning to Canada
- Reduce the spread of COVID-19
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BC Centre for Disease Control channels to follow for updates
Twitter: @CDCofBC
RSS feed: http://feeds.phsa.ca/bccdc-news.xml
Resources
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Employment Insurance and Emergency Benefits
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.
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BC Temporary Rental Supplement
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.
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Seniors Support
New seniors support programs have been launched by the province to address immediate needs of seniors staying at home during COVID-19.Seniors who need support, and healthy individuals who wish to volunteer can call 2-1-1 to access the service, or visit http://www.bc211.ca. -
Mental Health
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.
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How to make a doctor's appointment
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:
- Please use one of the medical clinic links here https://www.divisionsbc.ca/sea-sky/your-division/telehealth-appointments or contact your local medical clinic by phone:
- Diamond Head Medical Clinic: 604.892.3544
- Elaho Medical Clinic: 604.892.5688
- Squamish Medical Clinic: 604.892.3535- Book a telephone appointment with a doctor. Please note your appointment may not be with your regular family doctor. Doctors will schedule an in-person visit only if required.
- Patients without a family doctor can access the divisions of family practice at https://www.divisionsbc.ca/sea-sky/your-division/telehealth-appointments for assistance with booking an appointment.
Thank you to all of our health practitioners working round the clock to prepare our hospitals and clinics for COVID-19.
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Provincial guidance to construction sites during COVID-19
The Provincial Government has released guidance to construction sites operating during COVID-19 to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission and to protect the health of employees. These requirements apply to all construction sites in Squamish.WorkSafe BC is also keeping a close eye on this industry and safety protocols, and has information on its website here: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/covid-19-updates/health-and-safety/construction-information.Requirements apply to all construction sites.For up-to-date information on how to safely operate during COVID-19 visit https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EMBC0002-000542. -
Province of BC economic support action plan
The BC Provincial Government has announced a $5-billion economic action plan to support British Columbians affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
- Support for renters and landlords
- BC Emergency Benefits for Workers
- Climate Action Tax Credit
- B.C. Student Loans
- BC Hydro• ICBC
- Tax Relieve for Businesses
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.
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Childcare
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.
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Physical Distancing - Downloadable graphics and poster
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:
