Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

The new coronavirus, which causes the disease known as COVID-19, has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) and national states of emergency have been declared in many, if not most countries, including Canada. BC has also now declared a Provincial State of Emergency, along with the Public Health Emergency declared by the Provincial Health Officer and the prohibition of gatherings of more than 50 people. The public is also directed to maintain “social distancing”, keeping a distance of approximately 2 metres others to help prevent the spread of the virus.

How can I prevent getting infected?

The most important thing you can do to prevent infection is to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth. You can also practice respiratory etiquette and social distancing.

Reduce Your Risk of Infection

To help reduce your risk of infection:

 

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Using soap and water is the single most effective way of reducing the spread of infection
  • If a sink is not available, alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) can be used to clean your hands as long as they are not visibly soiled. If they are visibly soiled, use a wipe and then ABHR to effectively clean them
  • Do not touch your face, eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
  • Follow good respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow when you sneeze or cough
  • Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
  • Do not share food, drinks, utensils, etc.
  • Avoid crowded public spaces and places. Examples include mass gatherings, such as concerts and sporting events. Examples do not include hospitals (for healthcare workers) and schools
  • Maintain social distancing by keeping at least a 2-metre distance between yourself and others
  • Avoid shaking hands

For more information on proper hand washing see:

 

Social Distancing
Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 by making a conscious effort to keep a physical distance between each other. Social distancing is proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of illness during an outbreak. With patience and cooperation, we can all do our part.
 
This means making changes in your everyday routines to minimize close contact with others, including:
 
  • avoiding non-essential gatherings 
  • avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes
  • avoiding crowded places such as concerts, arenas, conferences and festivals
  • limiting contact with people at higher risk like older adults and those in poor health
  • keeping a distance of at least 2 arms lengths (approximately 2 metres) from others, as much as possible
Self-Assessment

The BC Ministry of Health has developed a Self-Assessment Tool to help determine whether you may need further assessment or testing for COVID-19. You can complete this assessment for yourself, or on behalf of someone else, if they are unable. See: https://covid19.thrive.health/.

Self-monitor, self-isolate and isolate

There is a difference between advice to self-monitor, advice to self-isolate and advice to isolate. It is important to note these measures are in place to protect the health and safety of Canadians.

 

Self-monitor

 
You should self-monitor if you:
 
  • have no symptoms and
  • may have been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 14 days or
  • you are in close contact with older adults or people who are medically vulnerable or
  • you have been asked to do so by the local public health authority
  • Self-monitoring means to:
    • monitor yourself for symptoms of respiratory illness, such as fever, cough and difficulty breathing
    • avoid crowded places and increase your personal space from others when possible

 

Self-isolate

 
You should self-isolate if you:
 
  • have no symptoms and
  • may have been exposed to COVID-19 as a result of: 
    • travelling outside of Canada within the last 14 days or
    • coming in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19
  • Self-isolation means to:
    • stay at home
    • monitor yourself for symptoms for 14 days
    • avoid contact with others
If there are others in your home, this means to:
 
  • stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom if possible
  • keep at least 2 metres between yourself and other people
  • keep interactions brief and wear a mask
  • do not share personal items, such as toothbrushes, towels, bed linen, utensils or electronic devices
  • at least once daily, clean and disinfect surfaces that you touch often, like toilets, bedside tables, doorknobs, phones and television remotes
  • avoid contact with individuals with chronic conditions, compromised immune systems and older adults
  • avoid contact with pets if you live with other people that may also be touching them

 

Isolate

 
You need to isolate yourself if you:
 
  • have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or
  • are waiting for laboratory test results or
  • have been advised to do so by the local public health authority
Isolating yourself means to:
 
  • stay home until the local public health authority says you are no longer at risk of spreading the virus
  • avoid contact with others
  • follow the direction for self-isolation
If you develop symptoms:
 
  • isolate yourself
  • stay home
  • avoid other people
  • contact your local public health authority
Health Agencies
For more information and updates on the rapidly evolving situation regarding this pandemic, please see the following official agency websites:
 
 
Village of Lions Bay Information
The Village of Lions Bay is concerned to ensure the health and safety of all residents and staff, and to that effect, please note the following information:
 
  • Broughton Hall is closed for all events and activities until further notice.
  • The Village Office is closed to the public until further notice but staff will still be working, some in the office and, to the extent necessary, some at home.
  • For assistance with Municipal services, please contact the Office at:
  • Arrangements will be made for delivery of documents or meetings where required, but Building Inspection services will be adjusted to meet social distancing protocols.
  • Public Works staff will be employing safe working protocols and ensuring the delivery of essential Municipal services, such as your water and sewer services.
  • For assistance with Public Works services, please contact the Office as above or:
  • The Municipality has activated the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to Level 1, staffed virtually for the time being to coordinate the flow and prioritization of information and access to assistance from Emergency Management BC (EMBC).
  • Mayor and Council are in the process of amending the Procedure Bylaw to enable expanded electronic meeting capabilities and ensuring continued governance over the business of the Municipality.
  • Community volunteers are reaching out to those in need of assistance for help with groceries and other essentials.
 
The Municipality will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our response as required. The information above will be supplemented with updates through the Village Update as appropriate. If you have not yet signed up for the Village Update, please do so here.
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