With the long weekend just ahead of us, we are reminded to follow public health advice to stay in our community and avoid non-essential travel; we know this virus moves with people. We all wish we could press a pandemic pause button and enjoy the May long weekend as we would normally; however, COVID-19 is still in our community.
There is some good news:
- As of May 13, there were 153 active cases in the Island Health Region with 57 in the Central Island.
- Over the past seven-day reporting period to May 13, there was an average of 16 cases per day compared to an average of 23 cases for the previous seven days.
- 50% of Island Health's adult population has received their first dose of the vaccine.
We sincerely hope you will enjoy a relaxing weekend, perhaps an opportunity to be outdoors. Staying active is one of the best ways to relieve stress and support mental health. Whatever you do, please choose activities which allow for physical distancing. Thank you for keeping us all safe and continuing to do your part to limit the spread of COVID-19.
These province-wide restrictions remain in place until midnight, May 25:
- Non-essential travel is prohibited.
- The variance allowing indoor religious gatherings and worship services between March 28 and May 13 is suspended.
- Indoor low-intensity group exercise classes are cancelled.
- Restaurants, pubs and bars are closed for indoor dining. Outdoor patio seating and takeout or delivery is allowed.
- Workplaces with a COVID-19 exposure may be ordered to close for a minimum of 10 days.
COVID-19 Vaccination Program
Book that appointment!
At this time, everyone over 18 can now book their vaccine appointment. First step is to get
registered then book that appointment! Every vaccinated person helps to protect our loved ones and our community.
If you have not yet registered and wish to receive the COVID vaccine, you are encouraged to register online. Your confirmation number will be used to book an appointment when eligible. Please refer to Island Health's website for information or call 1 833 838-2323 to book an appointment.
immunizebc.ca/covid-19
Make sure you are registered to receive the second dose
If you received the first dose of the vaccine at an Island Health clinic prior to April 6 you must
register at
www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca or by calling 1 833 838-2323 so you will be notified when it's time for the second dose.
Paid leave for workers to get COVID-19 vaccine
The BC government introduced amendments to the Employment Standards Act to provide workers with up to three hours of paid leave to get each dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The amendments ensure no one will lose pay if they need time away from work to get vaccinated.
More info
NEXT STEPS: Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness
We recently provided info about why neighbourhood emergency preparedness is so important. By way of a reminder, you will:
- NOT be alone in a time of disaster.
- Be better prepared to act quickly and appropriately in any situation.
- Be better informed on how to take care of yourself and loved ones until help arrives.
- Be able to identify and minimize existing hazards around your home and neighbourhood.
- Understand what items are recommended to store and how.
- Be prepared if you are required to evacuate your neighbourhood.
- Have a communication plan.
- Know where to get accurate information on the situation.
- Know who to go to in your neighbourhood for specific skills or resources.
- Have peace of mind and increase confidence in your resilience and self sufficiency.
EMO emergency program coordinators are here to help with your neighbourhood planning...just an email or phone call away. Below you will find the steps to develop and maintain an emergency preparedness team for your neighbourhood:
Step 1
- Determine the size of the neighbourhood.
- Get to know your neighbours in that area.
- Distribute EMO meeting brochures with details filled in.
- Hold an information meeting.
- Designate Leaders.
Step 2
- Map the neighbourhood including potential hazards, their potential effect on the area and alternate access.
Step 3
- Map the neighbourhood including potential hazards, their potential effect on the area and alternate access.
- Encourage residents to become personally prepared and willing to share responsibility.
- Share the neighbourhood map. Survey residents for resources and skills.
Step 4
- Establish response units and provide unit-specific information with action checklists.
Sept 5
- Hold a training drill at least once a year.
Step 6
- Network with adjacent neighbourhoods and organizations.
Step 7
- Hold an annual get-together and update information.
From the Town of Qualicum Beach
Town Hall remains open to the public Monday to Friday, 9 am to 1 pm (except statutory holidays). Town staff are available via email or phone until 4 pm, Monday to Friday. While we are happy to help in person where needed, we encourage you to conduct business remotely where possible. Masks are mandatory when visiting Town Hall. Contact is by any of the following methods:
- 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
From the City of Parksville
City services support the community and protect the health and wellbeing of our residents and staff. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Parksville Civic and Technology Centre is open to access the City's finance department only. Finance is open
Monday to Friday, 9 am to noon and 1 pm to 3 pm to accept property tax, utility and tickets/licence fee payments and to purchase bus passes, dog licences and building permits. Please continue to access our services electronically. All other City business is by appointment only and walk-in services are not available. Masks are mandatory when at City Hall and COVID-19 resources are provided for our residents at
Let's Talk Parksville.
For information, contact:
