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Province of BC Website for all up to date information.
Get COVID-19 health information
Feeling unwell? Check your symptoms online or download the self-assessment app.
Starting Monday, Sept 13, the Province of BC requires that vaccine passports/cards be shown to access some events, services and businesses including non-essential recreational facilities.
For more information on recreational facilities, please refer to Westshore Parks and Recreation.
Masks continue to be mandatory to be worn in all indoor public spaces for everyone 12 and older.
Stay home if you are sick and sanitize or wash your hands upon entering and exiting facilities.
Visiting the District Office
The BC Vaccine Card does not apply if visiting the Highlands District Office.
Here is a summary of the evolving actions the District is taking to support the community through COVID-19:
District of Highlands Council and staff express sincere thanks to the community for adhering to COVID-19 protocols and taking care to protect others and themselves.
Let's continue to stand together to keep seniors, our families and ourselves healthy and safe and businesses in operation.
The Province announced that B.C. will be moving to Step 3 of the Restart Plan on July 1, 2021. B.C.’s Restart Plan is founded on four incremental steps focused on protecting public health and safety returning to normal. All sectors will transition to using communicable disease prevention guidance from WorkSafeBC.
Please be advised that while some of the restrictions are easing, there are still some health orders and guidelines that remain in effect including:
Full details of the Province’s Restart Plan are available at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restart
Step 3 lifts some of the restrictions in place. Highlights include:
Personal Gatherings:
Organized Gatherings:
Travel
Businesses:
Offices and Workplaces:
Sports and Exercise:
Our ability to move to Step 4 continues to depend on low case counts, low hospitalizations and increasing vaccination rates. As more people get vaccinated we can be more confident moving through our careful steps to returning to normal and increasing our social interactions.
Register to get vaccinated (all residents aged 12 years and over)
The Province announced that B.C. will be moving to Step 2 of the Restart Plan on June 15, 2021. B.C.'s Restart Plan is founded on four incremental steps focused on protecting public health and safely returning to normal. Please be advised that while some of the restrictions are easing, there are still health orders and guidelines that remain in effect including:
Full details of the Province's Restart Plan area available at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restart.
Step 2 lifts some of the restrictions in place. Highlights include:
Personal Gatherings:
Organized Gatherings:
Sports and Exercise:
Travel:
Businesses:
Offices and Workplaces:
Our ability to move to the next step continues to depend on declining case counts, decreasing hospitalizations and increasing vaccination rates. As more people get vaccinated we can be more confident moving through our careful steps to returning to normal and increasing our social interactions.
Please remember that transmission is still occurring in our region so it is important to follow the advice of Dr. Bonnie Henry. Navigating the COVID-19 pandemic is a shared effort and it's important to remain respectful of our family members, friends, and nieghbours with varying comfort levels as we lift some of the restrictions in place.
With the large number of first dose immunizations completed to date, the Province is accelerating second dose booster vaccines. Booking for second doses for the age-base and clinically extremely vulnerable programs will happen 8 weeks after the first dose.
An attempt will be made to provide people with the same vaccine for their first and second dose, but due to supply issues with Moderna it is possible that some people will be offered Pfizer for their second dose. It is safe and effective to receive either of the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) interchangeably for the first and second dose.
All residents of B.C. age 12 years and older may register to receive a vaccine. Please register with Get Vaccinated.
The Province announced today the easing of the restrictions that have been in place for the past 6 weeks with the introduction of a four-step gradual process to safely restart B.C. The plan is science-based and puts public safety first. Our progress through the planned steps will depend on the COVID-19 case counts in the community, vaccination ratios for eligible residents of B.C., hospitalizations and critical care cases, and mortality rates. All persons age 12 and older can now register to be vaccinated. Please register at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register or call 1-833-838-2323.
Step 1 of the restart plan begins May 25, 2021. As of today the following activities are permitted:
· Maximum of 10 people for outdoor personal gatherings
· Maximum of 10 people for seated indoor organized gatherings with safety protocols
· Maximum of 50 people for seated outdoor organized gatherings with safety protocols
· Indoor and outdoor dining for up to six people with safety protocols
· Resume outdoor sports/games with no spectators, and low-intensity fitness with safety protocols
· Start gradual return to workplaces
· Return of indoor in-person faith-based gatherings (reduced capacity) based on consultation with public health
The following restrictions remain in place:
· Travel restrictions are extended limiting recreational travel within your health region (you may enjoy travel on Vancouver
Island and the surrounding islands, but travel to the mainland is not yet permitted)
· Masks remain mandatory in public indoor spaces and physical distancing still required
Please continue to follow the Health Orders in place and the guidelines from the Provincial Health Officer. If you are sick, please stay home and get tested.
For more information, please visit the following links:
· B.C.’s Restart Plan: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restart
· Current Provincial Health Officer restrictions: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/response
All BC residents aged 12 and up may now register to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Children 12 and up (born 2009 or earlier) can get vaccinated by themselves, with a parent or a trusted adult.
To book your vaccination, please visit www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca or call 1-833-838-2323.
On Monday, April 19, 2021 the Province announced that the circuit breaker provincial health orders and guidelines currently in place would be further extended through to May 25, 2021. In addition, British Columbians are advised that they are prohibited by law from travelling outside of their local health authority without a legitimate medical or work related reason to do so. Residents are asked to stay local and remain in their home community for the next five weeks.
These restrictions are necessary as transmission of COVID-19 and the variants of concern is on the rise resulting in higher levels of hospitalization. By adhering to the Provincial Health Orders and guidelines in effect, we can all help to avoid overwhelming our health care system and bending the curve back down.
Vaccinations are proving to be a powerful tool to combat COVID-19 and its variants. For updates on BC’s vaccination program, or to register to receive a vaccine please visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register.
For information on the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine.
For now we need to focus on the basics of decreasing transmission by staying local and continuing to implement the many COVID skills developed over the past year. We all have a role to play in stopping the chains of transmission so please continue doing your parts to keep our community healthy and safe.
Effective today the Province has launched an online system for registering to receive your COVID-19 vaccination. Please use this link to register: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated.html.
You may register yourself or assist someone else in registering at any time. Once you are registered you will be provided with an Immunization Registration Confirmation Number to the email or phone number you provided when registering. You will then be notified when you are able to register for an appointment to the receive the vaccine. You will need to provide the immunization registration confirmation number to make your appointment.
Registration and vaccination appointments can still be made by telephone by calling: 1-833-838-2323.
To learn what you will need to provide to register, or to learn more about the immunization process underway, please visit https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/covid-19-vaccine.
On March 29, 2021, Dr. Bonnie Henry revised the COVID-19 province-wide restrictions as B.C. is experiencing exponential growth in new cases. The intention of tightening these restrictions is to break the chains of transmission occurring in our community and help to keep us all safe.
The following orders are in effect now until April 19, 2021:
In addition, mask requirements for children in schools now include all children in grade four through twelve to wear masks.
Indoor gatherings continue to be the biggest cause of transmission. These added measures were introduced to protect more people in our community and to allow B.C. to bend the curve and make further progress with the vaccination program underway.
The increased transmissibility of the COVID-19 variants requires that we do our part to stop the spread. Please follow the orders in place and limit non-essential activities to outdoors and only with the same group of people.
If you are feeling unwell, please stay home and get tested for COVID.
Please register for your vaccination when your age cohort is called. You can call 1-833-348-4787 to book your vaccine or call on behalf of an eligible resident. The call centre is open from 7 am to 7pm daily.
Yesterday afternoon the provincial health orders were amended to permit social gatherings outdoors with up to 10 people. This group of 10 people needs to stay consistent at this time. Residents are advised to continue maintaining physical distance from those not in your household, even when outside.
Indoor gatherings continue to be banned and non-essential travel is still discouraged.
Vaccine appointment bookings for seniors have opened. Appointments can be made daily from 7 am to 7 pm by calling
1-833-348-4787. Eligible residents can make appointments themselves, or have a family member, friend, or support worker call on their behalf.
Island Health advises that the vaccines are safe and effective. The more people in a community who are immunized against COVID-19, the harder it is for the virus to spread.
Testing for COVID-19 is still underway. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home, self-isolate and call
1-844-901-8442 to book a test (daily between 8:30 am - 8:00 pm). Visit bc.thrive.health to help determine if you need a test.
Phase 2 of the B.C. Immunization Plan is now underway. Registration to receive the vaccines opens today for the first age-based population cohort. Vaccinations will begin to be administered on March 15, 2021.
It is critically important that you do not call to register until your age group is scheduled to avoid overwhelming the system and ensuring those who are eligible to register at this time are able to do so. You will not be booked for an appointment until you are eligible . To find out when you will be eligible to register to receive the vaccine, please visit Island Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine page.
Appointments can be booked daily between 7 am – to 7 pm:
There are five immunization clinic locations across Greater Victoria:
See all COVID-19 immunization clinic locations here.
Please be advised that when you call to book an appointment you will need to provide the following information:
Call centre agents will NOT ask for any of the following:
** If you do not have a Personal Health Number, but are living in B.C., you can still register to receive the vaccine at the appropriate time as outlined in the immunization plan. Procedures are in place to ensure everyone living in B.C. who would like a vaccine will receive it.
A family member, friend, or community advocate may call to register an eligible individual on their behalf, using the Call Centre line at 1-833-348-4787 between 7 am – 7 pm daily.
When you call on someone else’s behalf:
Please remember that Public Health Officer orders and guidelines remain in place for everyone, even if they have received the vaccine.
For more information, please visit ImmunizeBC or email Island Health.
For non-health related vaccine or COVID-19 information, you can speak to a BC Services Agent:
Dr. Bonnie Henry advised that the province-wide Provincial Health Orders currently in place regarding gatherings and events continue to be in effect to bend the curve down on COVID-19 transmission across the province. The following activities are not considered to be social gatherings:
Please visit the Government of Canada site for information regarding federal regulations for travel, quarantine, and border crossings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Province has progressed to the second phase of B.C.'s immunization plan. Starting March 8, eligible persons may start to make appointments to receive the vaccine according to the plan based on your age, For details on the next phase of the plan and information on preparing for your vaccination appointment, please visit the Vaccinations for Seniors site.
Thank you for your continued efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
Dr. Bonnie Henry announced this morning that the province-wide Provincial Health Orders currently in place regarding gatherings and events are extended to the end of February. Residents are asked to continue following these restrictions to buy more time to advance the provincial immunization program underway and also to determine the effects of the variants of the virus that are emerging.
By doing our part we can look forward to the possibility of relaxing some of the restrictions in place by the end of February. Reducing our contacts now helps to significantly reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in our community.
Please continue your efforts during these challenging times so that we may collectively stop the spread of coronavirus and its highly transmissible variants so that we may enjoy brighter and safer days ahead.
On January 7, 2021, the Provincial Health Officer extended the restrictions on all gatherings and events through to February 5, 2021 at midnight. The same restrictions on social gatherings, both at people’s homes and in public venues, and all events and sports activities continue to apply.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, please contact 8-1-1 or visit the Self-Assessment Tool for guidance.
These restrictions are in place to help slow the transmission of COVID-19 in our community and throughout our province. Thank you for continuing to do your part to bend the curve.
Additional Resources:
The District of Highlands is monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation and continues to take directions from the Province and Island Health. The health and well-being of our community remains a key focus for the District and we appreciate the diligence and commitment of residents as we work together to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Last week Dr. Henry announced a number of new restrictions in response to the growing number of cases of COVID-19 in our region. Residents are asked to continue to keep themselves informed and to comply with all of the Public Health Officer’s (PHO) Orders to help bend the curve and stop the spread of COVID-19.
The latest restrictions are summarized below and additional information can be viewed from the Province’s dedicated COVID-19 website.
While access to the District Office remains by appointment only, Highlands staff continue to be available to provide services Monday through Friday between 8:30 am - 4:00 pm (except statutory holidays)
The risk remains high for contracting this disease. Please continue to keep yourself informed with the latest information regarding COVID-19 and to comply with all of the issued Orders.
You can help slow the transmission of COVID-19 by:
The Province is working with the cities of Vancouver and Victoria to transition people living in encampments in Oppenheimer Park, Topaz Park and on Pandora Avenue into safe, temporary accommodations with wraparound supports to protect their health and safety in the overlapping COVID-19 and overdose crises.
Read full story here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EMBC0020-000759
A great update on all available services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read the full story here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/bc-takes-steps-to-support-people-businesses-during-covid-19-pandemic
Temporary relief is on the way for British Columbians whose ability to work has been affected by COVID-19, with applications for the $1,000 B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers (BCEBW) opening on May 1, 2020.
Read the full story here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020FIN0023-000743
BC Parks is immediately closing all provincial parks in response to the widespread call for increased action to address COVID-19.
Read the full story here : https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020ENV0019-000645
The B.C. government is providing a new Emergency Relief Support Fund and has added service flexibility for parents of children with special needs to help during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read the full story here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020CFD0043-000650
Book lovers of all ages will soon have greater access to online learning and reading resources, thanks to a one-time $3-million government investment in public libraries.
Read the full story here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EDUC0019-000652
The Government of British Columbia announced a series of temporary supports and supplements in order to ensure B.C.’s most vulnerable – including people on income or disability assistance and low-income seniors – do not encounter additional barriers during the COVID-19 crisis.
You can read the Province’s statement here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020SDPR0012-000620
To support parents who are essential service workers during the response to novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Province is launching a new process.
This process will match parents, who are working on the front lines of B.C.’s COVID-19 response and have children up to five years of age, with child care in their communities.
Starting today, essential workers can fill out a new “parent” form to identify their need for urgent child care. Forms can be accessed by calling 1 888 338-6622 and selecting Option 4, or online:
www.gov.bc.ca/essential-service-child-care
Read the full story here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020CFD0017-000599
To fall inline with a recent Province of BC open fire ban all backyard/ hand-pile/ machine pile burning permits in Highlands are cancelled until at least April 15th - All current OAB permits are revoked
Read more information here from the Province: http://bcfireinfo.for.gov.bc.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/DisplayBan.asp?ID=589#OpenFireBans
**Recreational Campfires burning clean, dry fire wood are still permitted in Highlands - you must fill out a permit using: hvfd.burnpermits.com
As we start another weekend, we’d like to remind everyone that certain parks & trails remain open, but please remember to practice social distancing and keep 2 metres away from those you encounter.
Through the United Way, you can call 2-1-1 or visit www.bc211.ca if you are a senior in need, or would like to volunteer with a senior in your community to check in on them or to help pick-up groceries/prescriptions. The helpline will take calls 7 days/week to help keep seniors safe in their homes.
Using the powers under the Emergency Program Act, the Provincial Minister of Public Safety issued a series of ministerial orders to ensure a coordinated response to COVID-19 across all levels of government for the duration of the provincial emergency. These include:
We are working out the details of what the province’s changes in enforcement powers will look like for our bylaw officers in the weeks and months to come. We note the following:
You can read the Province’s full statement at: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PSSG0020-000568
To support community health and prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Capital Regional District (CRD) is asking visitors to Regional Parks and community parks in electoral areas to adhere to the orders and recommendations of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO).
Read the full article here.
For the health and safety of BC Parks visitors, employees, park contractors, volunteers and partners, effective immediately, we are temporarily suspending services and closing facilities in most provincial parks.
Read more information on BC Park closures here.
On March 25, 2020, the Government of Canada’s Minister of Health announced an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act that requires any person entering Canada by air, sea or land to self-isolate for 14 days whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19.
This federal Emergency Order reinforces an existing British Columbia Provincial Health Order in place since March 17, 2020 which orders every person in British Columbia who has traveled outside Canada and returned on or after March 12 to self-isolate for 14 days.
All individuals permitted to enter Canada are subject to this Order, with the exception of certain persons who cross the border regularly to ensure the continued flow of goods and services, and those who provide essential services. Individuals exempt from the Order will still need to practice social distancing and self-monitoring and contact their local public health authority if they feel sick.
You can read the full statement at: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2020/03/new-order-makes-self-isolation-mandatory-for-individuals-entering-canada.html
Playground structures and picnic tables cannot be effectively cleaned after each use, and are therefore being closed to the public at this time.
Please continue to enjoy Highlands parks and natural areas while being diligent about maintaining appropriate social distance.
The Provincial Government has a dedicated website for COVID-19 here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support
BC Transit has informed that due to a significant reduction in ridership that there will be daily trip cancellations. More information can be found here: https://www.bctransit.com/victoria/home
Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, made the declaration based on the recommendation from B.C.’s health and emergency management officials, after Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, declared a public health emergency on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
“Declaring a state of emergency is an important measure to support our provincial health officer and minister of health in swift and powerful response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Farnworth said. “We are working with partners across government and industry to co-ordinate emergency response efforts, and we won’t hesitate to use the tools available to us to keep people safe.”
Read the full report here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PSSG0017-000511
British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer has declared a public health emergency. This declaration allows the provincial health officer to facilitate an even faster response to the rapidly changing situation and enact further measures to protect British Columbians. The provincial health officer has issued the following orders:
You can read their full statement here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0089-000505
The District of Highlands is prepared to handle potential impacts and service disruptions from COVID-19.
As of March 15, we took the proactive approach to activate our Emergency Operations Centre at a Level I to help us with planning efforts and sharing information in what is a rapidly changing situation.
As the situation unfolds, we will continue to monitor credible sources and will work with our provincial and regional partners. It’s important to note that Highlands is not the lead agency on COVID-19; we will take direction from the Province and the Medical Health Office. There are no known cases of COVID-19 in the District of Highlands.
Starting in April, Council meetings will be held only on the first Monday of each month until further notice. Council meetings that do occur will be held at the Highlands Community Hall. The District is currently implementing policy so that Council members may attend meetings electronically as permitted by legislation. More information about the way the District will conduct business during this pandemic may be found here.
Starting March 18, public access to the District Office will be by appointment only to limit the spread of infection. Please call the office at 250-474-1773 or email us at info@highlands.ca. More information on this can be found here on our website.
We will communicate changes to the public as quickly as possible.
What you can do:
Here are some key reminders from The World Health Organization:
What the District is doing:
The District will continue to monitor the situation and will take direction from the Province and Island Health as required.
For up-to-date information and answers to your questions about novel coronavirus (COVID-19), consult trusted, evidence-based sources, including: