EMO News Release - February 15

This afternoon, the Province of BC announced the lifting of some restrictions which have been in place for some time; part of a long-term COVID management program to ensure balance in the easing of restrictions. We will see incremental easing of restrictions and orders starting this week with the remaining COVID-19 public health measures to be reviewed in March and April.

Individuals and organizations will be able to assess risks and determine comfort zones, meaning we will be able to go at our own pace. Because COVID-19 continues to circulate in our communities, immunization campaigns will continue, including boosters.

The vaccine card will continue to be required for access to restaurants, fitness facilities and other indoor spaces and masks are required in indoor public spaces.

PROTECTIVE MEASURES IN PLACE TO CONTINUE
(To be reviewed again by March 15 and April 12)

Masks in indoor public spaces
BC vaccine card
COVID-19 safety plans
Long-term care visitation restrictions
K-12 and childcare guidelines
Faith community guidelines
Restrictions on child and youth overnight camps
Industrial camp order

THINGS WE CAN DO
(Starting February 16 at 11.59 pm)

Indoor personal gatherings - return to normal.
Indoor and outdoor organized gatherings - full capacity, dancing allowed (with masks and BC vaccine card)
Indoor seated events - full capacity (with masks and BC vaccine card)
Fitness centres, adult sports, dance, swimming - full capacity, no tournament restrictions (with masks and BC vaccine card)
Restaurants, bars and nightclubs - full capacity, no table limits, mingling and dancing allowed (with masks and BC vaccine card)

The updated Public Health Orders may be viewed at this link.

Respectful Distancing
As we learn to live with the pandemic there will be a shift from the term ‘physical distancing’ to ‘respectful distancing’. Respectful distancing drops the strictness of two metres between people and is all about respecting the personal space of others. It is a positive move for the general population because after almost two years of very specific instructions, people can determine what is comfortable for them.

Town of Qualicum Beach
Town Hall is open to the public with full services. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm (except statutory holidays). Although the office is open, residents are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the other payment options including payment through your financial institution; mail a cheque; or drop off a cheque at Town Hall drop box (location below). If you do wish to visit Town Hall to conduct business, masks are mandatory while in the building.

Email qbtown@qualicumbeach.com
Phone 250 752-6921
Post PO Box 130, Qualicum Beach V9K 1S7
Mail Slot Out front of Town Hall, nearest the fountain
Website

City of Parksville
City Hall is open to the public from 8 am to 4 pm and our operations department from 8 am to 4 pm and closed noon to 1 pm.

Information for the public when visiting:

Access to the Parksville Civic and Technology Centre is from Jensen Avenue East and from the library parking lot.
Masks are mandatory while in the building.
Staff may elect to meet with the public either in-person or virtually and in-person meetings will comply with protocols on distancing and masks.
Main floor washrooms are open for public use.

For information, contact:

Aaron Dawson
Emergency Program Coordinator, City of Parksville
adawson@parksville.ca

Rob Daman
Emergency Program Coordinator, Town of Qualicum Beach
rdaman@qualicumbeach.com

Deb Tardiff
Manager of Communications, City of Parksville
dtardiff@parksville.ca

Consultation has concluded