Good afternoon all,
The recently announced staged plan to re-open the Province is a welcome sign that BC is slowly winning the fight against Covid-19; however, we are not in the clear yet and must remain diligent to prevent a second wave of infections in BC. The plan has also generated questions and concerns regarding the lack of clear direction around social distancing and travel within the Province. To address this, the Kitsumkalum leadership has shown strength in requesting that a community-specific plan is developed which places the unique needs and considerations of the community first. As such, we will continue collaborating to determine which areas of the Provincial plan will be implemented, and which areas we will continue to employ community-specific measures. To minimize the chances of a community outbreak, and pending frequent review of the pandemic situation in Northern BC, the following measures will be maintained as long as deemed necessary:
- The school and daycare will remain closed, outreach programs will continue to ensure children are getting needed supports.
- Businesses and offices will continue with essential staff and limited/no public access.
- The House of Sim-oi-Ghets will continue to only allow 2 people in the store at one time and will not be accepting cash.
- The Tempo Gas Bar will continue to utilize the pass-through window and operate with reduced staff.
- The Health Centre will continue providing remote care and essential immunizations by appointment
This long weekend will result in increased regional traffic with many people anxious to get outside to boat and camp. Although we can’t control the public, we can make good decisions for ourselves. It is recommended that we all continue to limit our travel and interactions to essential business within the region, and avoid personal contact with those outside of our households. If you are going to socialize, we continue to recommend that you stick to a small cohort of close friends and choose meeting places where you can maintain social distancing. The Provincial Health Officer, Bonnie Henry, has made the following recommendations to stay healthy:
- Staying informed, being prepared and following public health advice
- Practicing good hygiene – hand hygiene, avoid touching your face and respiratory etiquette
- Staying at home and away from others if you are feeling ill – with no exceptions – whether for work or socializing
- Maintaining physical distancing outside the household, e.g., no handshakes or hugs, keeping your number of contacts low, and keeping a safe distance;
- Making necessary contacts safer with appropriate controls, e.g., using plexiglass barriers or redesigning spaces
- Increasing cleaning of frequently touched surfaces at home and work
- Considering the use of non-medical masks in situations where physical distancing cannot be maintained, such as on transit or while shopping
- Continuing to minimize non-essential personal travel
This weekend will also bring an increased risk of wildfire due to recent dry weather and increased backcountry use; if anyone sees a wildfire please call *5555 from your cell phone or 1-800-663-5555.
Please stay safe and have a great long weekend.
Fletcher Havelaar
Emergency Programs Coordinator
Kitsumkalum Band
3523 West Kalum Rd
Terrace, BC, V8G0C8
Office: 250-635-6172 ext. 103 | Cell: 778-316-4499