Coronavirus COVID-19

Province of BC Website for all up to date information.  

The British Columbia Centre for Disease Control is the best source for COVID-19 health information.

Get COVID-19 health information

Feeling unwell? Check your symptoms online or download the self-assessment app.

UPDATES

September 16, 2021

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:

  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Wear masks; non-medical or medical masks, covering the nose and mouth in all District operated facilities; masks are required in indoor public places for all people 12 and older.
  • Sanitize or wash your hands upon entering and exiting facilities.
  • Conduct as much District business as possible online through our website, phone, email or other digital services.

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.

June 30, 2021

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:

  1. Masks are recommended in all indoor public spaces;
  2. Increased social contact
  3. Stay home if you are unwell, and get tested for COVID.

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:

  1. Return to normal for indoor and outdoor personal gatherings
  2. Sleepovers

Organized Gatherings:

  1. Indoor organized gatherings 50 people or 50% capacity, whichever is greater
  2. Outdoor organized gatherings 5,000 people or 50% capacity, whoever is greater
  3. No capacity limits or restrictions on religious gatherings and worship services
  4. Fairs, festivals and trade shows return to normal with a Communicable Disease Plan

Travel

  1. Canada-wide recreational travel

Businesses:

  1. Businesses will transition from a COVID-19 Safety Plan to a Communicable Disease Plan.   Some safety measures will remain, like physical barriers.
  2. Restaurants, bars and pubs:
    1. No group limits for indoor and outdoor dining, events allowed
    2. Return to normal liquor service hours
    3. No socializing between tables
  3. Nightclubs:
    1. Up to 10 people seated at tables, tables 2 m apart
    2. No dancing, no socializing between tables
  4. Casinos:
    1. Reduced capacity
    2. Gaming stations can operate a approximately 505 capacity

Offices and Workplaces:

  1. Continued return to the workplace
  2. Seminars and bigger meetings allowed
  3. Workplaces will transition form a COVID-19 Safety Plan to a Communicable Disease Plan
  4. Additional safety precautions required in higher risk workplaces

Sports and Exercise:

  1. All indoor fitness classes allowed, normal capacity
  2. Gyms and recreation facilities, normal capacity
  3. Outdoor spectators 5,000 people or 50% capacity, whichever is greater
  4. Indoor spectators 50 people or 50% capacity, whichever is greater

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.

B.C’s vaccination program

Register to get vaccinated (all residents aged 12 years and over)

June 14, 2021

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:

  • Masks continue to be mandatory in all indoor public spaces;
  • Physical distancing requirements;
  • Non-essential travel outside of the province is still discouraged; and
  • Stay home if you are unwell, and get tested for COVID.

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:

  • Outdoor gatherings up to 50 people allowed
  • Indoor gatherings up to 5 people, or 1 other household permitted

Organized Gatherings:

  • Indoor seated organized gatherings up to 50 people with a safety plan
  • Outdoor seated organized gatherings up to 50 people with a safety plan

Sports and Exercise:

  • Indoor high and low intensity group exercises with reduced capacity allowed
  • Indoor and outdoor games and practices for youth and adult groups and teams are permitted
  • Up to 50 spectators allowed at outdoor sporting events; No spectators allowed at any indoor sporting events

Travel:

  • Recreational travel within B.C. allowed

Businesses:

  • Indoor and outdoor dining for groups of up to 6 people (not restricted to your household or bubble)
  • Liquor service extended to midnight
  • Banquet halls can operated with limited capacity and a safety plan

Offices and Workplaces:

  • Continued safe return to workplace
  • small in-person meetings permitted
  • Safety plans and daily health checks still mandatory

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.

May 28, 2021

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.

May 25, 2021

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

May 20, 2021

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.


May 14, 2021

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid19/vaccine/registerutm_campaign=20210412_GCPE_Vizeum_COVID___Google_Search_BCGOV_EN_BC_VaccinePage_Text
VaccineRegister-IslandHealth-SOCIALMEDIA

April 21, 2021

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. 

April 6, 2021

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.

March 30, 2021

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:

  • No indoor dining at pubs and restaurants – patio seating or take out/delivery services only
  • Activities in gyms are restricted to individual or one to one activities
  • All indoor religious services are temporarily suspended
  • Travel should be limited to essential travel for work or medical reasons.

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. 


March 12, 2021

COVID-19 Update on Restrictions and Vaccinations

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.

March 8, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccination Update - Phase 2 Underway

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:

  • Call Centre: 1-833-348-4787

There are five immunization clinic locations across Greater Victoria:

  • 1089 Langford Parkway, Eagle Ridge Arena (Langford)
  • 11 Gabriola Road, Uvic McKinnon Gym (Saanich)
  • 2243 Beacon Avenue, Mary Winspear Centre (Sidney)
  • 2168 Phillips Road, SEAPARC Leisure Complex (Sooke)
  • 1151 Esquimalt Road, Archie Browning Sports Centre (Esquimalt)

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:

  • Legal First and Last Name
  • Date of Birth
  • Postal Code
  • Personal Health Number (e.g. care card)**
  • Contact Information

Call centre agents will NOT ask for any of the following:

  • SIN Number
  • Credit Card or Banking Details
  • Driver’s Licence Number

** 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:

  • The agent will verify who you are calling for, their date of birth, and personal health number.
  • You will select an appointment time slot at a clinic close to the home of the person you are registering.
  • The agent will confirm the appointment time and location.
  • If you’ve provided contact information then you will receive a confirmation sent by email or text.

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:

  • Text: 1-604-660-2421 (7:30 am – 8:00 pm daily, standard rates may apply)
  • Telephone: 1-888-COVID19 (7:30 am – 5:00 pm daily)
  • Telephone for the deaf: Dial 7-1-1
  • Help in other languages: Call 1-888-268-4319 (7:30 am – 5:00 pm daily)

March 3, 2021

Update on Current COVID-19 Restrictions and Vaccinations

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:

  • Going for a walk or hike (as long as it does not turn into a group meeting outside);
  • Parents carpooling children to and from school;
  • Grandparents providing child care; and
  • Public pools and skating rinks when not associated with events. 

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. 

February 5, 2021

Restrictions on Gatherings and Events Maintained

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. 

January 8, 2021

Province-wide Restrictions Extended

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:

December 21, 2020

Provincial Restrictions Revised 

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.

Gatherings

  • All individuals, places of work, and businesses must significantly reduce social interactions.
  • No social gatherings of any size with anyone other than your immediate household or core bubble are permitted at this time. This applies to both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Masks

  • Masks are required in all public indoor settings and workplaces (except for those who cannot wear a mask, or who cannot put on or remove masks on their own.
  • Customers can be refused entry or service if they are not wearing a mask.
  • Employers are required to enforce the mask requirements with employees and customers.

Group Physical Activities

  • All high risk, indoor group physical activities are suspended including spin class, hot yoga, and high intensity interval training (HIIT).
  • All associated travel for athletic activities including games, competitions, training, and practices is prohibited. 
  • No spectators are permitted at any sporting activities.

Travel

  • All non-essential travel, business and personal, should be avoided including travel into and out of BC, and between regions.

Workplaces

  • Daily screening of on-site workers, in accordance with established COVID-19 Safety Plans, are required.
  • Masks must be worn in all shared spaces and work areas, and whenever safe physical distancing cannot be maintained. 

Accessing Municipal Services

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)

Please do Your Part 

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:

  • Staying home if unwell
  • Maintaining physical distance from others of at least 2 metres
  • Washing your hands frequently
  • Wearing a mask in public spaces as directed
  • Complying with the Orders of the Provincial Health Officer.

COVID-19 Resources

April 25, 2020 

Province secures safe shelter, supports for people living in major encampments

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 

April 23, 2020 

B.C. takes steps to support people, businesses during COVID-19 pandemic

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 

Applications for BC Emergency Benefit for Workers to open May 1

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 

April 20, 2020

Provincial Support Available:  Link here

April 8, 2020

All BC (Provincial) Parks closing....

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 

Province provides emergency fund for children with special needs

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 

Families throughout B.C. to benefit from enhanced digital library services

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 

April 2, 2020

Provincial Update - New Emergency Supports for Province’s Most Vulnerable

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

April 1, 2020

Province helps essential service workers find child care

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 

March 27, 2020

Effective Immediately: Open Burning Restrictions Due to COVID-19

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

Social Distancing in Parks and on Paths

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.

March 26, 2020

Seniors Helpline: Call 2-1-1

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.

Provincial Update – Ministerial Orders Under the Emergency Program Act

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:

  • Supply chain: Establishing a new Provincial Supply Chain Coordination Unit to co-ordinate goods and services distribution; taking a more active role in co-ordinating essential goods and services movement by land, air, marine and rail; and suspending any bylaws that restrict goods delivery at any time of day.
  • Protecting consumers: Banning the secondary resale of food, medical supplies, personal protective equipment, cleaning and other essential supplies; and restricting quantities of items purchased at point of sale.
  • Enforcement: Enabling municipal bylaw officers to support enforcement of the provincial health officer’s orders for business closures and gatherings, in line with offences under the Public Health Act.
  • Travel: Ensuring all passenger and car-ferry services provide minimum service levels and priority access for residents, and essential goods and workers.
  • Protecting B.C.’s most vulnerable: Making it easier to support critical services for vulnerable people, like food banks and shelters.
  • Coordination: Suspending local states of emergency specific to the COVID-19 pandemic, except for the City of Vancouver; giving municipal councils the ability to hold more flexible meetings to expedite decisions; and coordinating potential use of local publicly owned facilities, like community centres, for self-isolation, testing, medical care, warehousing and distribution.

COVID-19 enforcement

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:

  • some of the messages we’re hearing from the Province, including keeping two meters apart as part of social distancing, are not in a formal order and therefore are not enforceable from a bylaw perspective.
  • all advice from the Provincial Health Officer should be followed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
  • please remember to practice social distancing and keep 2 metres away from those you encounter, including when outdoors enjoying the many trails and open spaces.

You can read the Province’s full statement at: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PSSG0020-000568

March 25, 2020

CRD Asks Parks Visitors to Maintain Social Distancing..

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.

BC Parks Response to COVID-19

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.

Federal Update – Emergency Order Under the Quarantine Act

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

March 22, 2020

The District of Highlands is closing playground structures at Twinflower Park to protect public health and limit the spread of COVID-19.

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.

March 19, 2020 - 3 PM

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 

March 18, 2020 - 5 PM

Province Declares State of Emergency to Support COVID-19 Response

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 

March 17, 2020 - 3 PM

Provincial Update 

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:

  • Effective immediately, businesses with liquor primary licences, such as bars, pubs and night clubs, must close, as they are unable to adequately meet the requirements of social distancing. Restaurants and cafes that cannot maintain social distancing of one to two meters between patrons will need to move to take-out and delivery models.
  • Public gatherings of more than 50 people – indoors or outdoors – must be cancelled.

You can read their full statement here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0089-000505

March 17, 2020 - 1 PM

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:

  • Wash your hands frequently - Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.  Hand Washing Poster
  • Maintain social distancing - Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth - Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
  • Practice respiratory hygiene - Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
  • If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early - Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.

What the District is doing:

  • Recommending to staff to adhere to the above key reminders in addition to ensuring they remain at home if they are sick, caring for someone who is ill or, if they have been exposed to a presumptive or confirmed case of COVID-19.
  • regularly cleaning high touch surfaces and personal work spaces in our facilities.
  • monitoring updates of the Provincial Health Officer and other levels or government and taking appropriate actions.
  • Being proactive and planning for operational impacts.
  • Sharing information with other local governments.

The District will continue to monitor the situation and will take direction from the Province and Island Health as required. 

Trusted sources of information

For up-to-date information and answers to your questions about novel coronavirus (COVID-19), consult trusted, evidence-based sources, including:

BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)

Government of British Columbia 

Government of Canada

World Health Organization

Coronavirus information lines

  • Novel coronavirus information: 1-833-784-4397   
  • Health information 8-1-1
  • B.C.’s COVID-19 self-assessment tool can be found online here.