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.
Concerned about exposure to COVID-19 or symptoms you are experiencing?
There's an app for that!
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. This tool has been created to redirect the need for everyone to call 8.1.1., as this phone system has been challenged by the volume of calls.
Watch: Mayor Karen Elliott checks in with Squamish residents today on the importance of physical distancing and clarifying local enforcement abilities (March 27, 2020).
Current Health Authority recommendations:
- Stay home as much as possible.
- Stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness.
- Get serious about social distancing - maintain a two-metre or six-feet distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands. A lot.
- Be sure to sneeze or cough into your arm.
- Forgo usual greetings (e.g. handshakes or hugs).
- If abroad, now is the time to return home.
- Anyone returning from travel outside of Canada must self-isolate for 14 days upon their return.
- Cancel gatherings with greater than 50 people.
If you have symptoms and may have been exposed to COVID-19, complete the online assessment tool.
- B.C. Ministry of Health | Online Assessment Tool
- Health Information: 8-1-1
- Novel Coronavirus Information: 1.833.784.4397
Recent District of Squamish Updates
- 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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BC Centre for Disease Control channels to follow for updates
Twitter: @CDCofBC
RSS feed: http://feeds.phsa.ca/bccdc-news.xml
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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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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
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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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:
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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.
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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.