UPDATES FROM TASK FORCE CHAIRS
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Yesterday, our Richmond COVID-19 Community Task Force (RCCTF) hosted its fifteenth teleconference meeting, and the first with Brian Corcoran as its new Co-Chair.
Our task force continues to see the value in inter-agency information sharing throughout the crisis and we hope you do too. We will continue to do this important work to serve you. As summer progresses, you have all continued the hard work to keep yourselves and each other safe. This is the true spirit of community and it remains inspiring to us all.
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Task Force Co-Chairs:
Mayor Malcolm Brodie (City of Richmond) and Brian Corcoran (Chair, Richmond Chamber of Commerce)
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Chris Back, the Director of OHS Consultation and Education Services at WorkSafeBC shared a guest presentation:
COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plans:
- By order of the Provincial Health Office, every workplace is required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan.
- Employers must go through a six-step process to return to safe operation, which is outlined on the WorkSafeBC website, along with industry specific resources.
- The COVID-19 Safety Plan must be publicly posted and available to staff, vendors/ contractors, and patrons.
Inspections:
- WorkSafeBC inspections are an important part of ensuring health and safety in B.C. workplaces. Officers may call or visit unannounced to evaluate how you’re protecting your workers from the virus that causes COVID-19 in your workplace.
- The officer will ask you about the process you used to develop your plan and will work with you to assess how effectively the plan controls COVID-19 risk. The officer will want to speak to your joint health and safety committee member or worker representative.
- Officers will work with employers to create a safe workplace, and are taking an educative approach, rather than a punitive one.
Seeking Guidance or Reporting Unsafe Practices:
- Visit worksafebc.com to find details about COVID -19and returning to safe operation. If you need additional health and safety information, contact the WorkSafeBC Prevention Information Line at 1.888.621.SAFE (1.888.621.7233).
- The WorkSafeBC Prevention Information Line at 1.888.621.SAFE can also be used by workers or the public to report unsafe practices.
Resources:
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UPDATE FROM VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH
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Dr. Meena Dawar, Medical Health Officer with Vancouver Coastal Health shared:
Epidemiology:
- As of late Monday, there had been 3,115 cases within BC, with 2,718 recovered. Within Vancouver Coastal Health, 1012 cases have been reported to date, with 92 in Richmond.
- We are in the maintenance phase, and will continue to do well with continued physical distancing.
Reports of Cases:
- The public health authorities in BC are following every confirmed case of COVID-19 with robust contact tracing. If there is a risk to the public, or a community, the professionals are following up and releasing that information. The business community is asked to direct any concerns to the health authorities by calling 1-888-COVID19 in Richmond.
Resources:
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UPDATE FROM THE CITY OF RICHMOND
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Mayor Malcolm Brodie and senior City staff shared:
Restoring Richmond:
City staff are continuing implementation of the
Restoring Richmond
plan, including outdoor fitness and camps and the Richmond Olympic Oval.
Street Closures for BC Day:
: Council has been looking at road patterns in Steveston. Changes introduced for Canada Day will also be introduced over BC Day long weekend – Bayview Street will be one-way going west and Moncton Street will closed off to facilitate pedestrian distancing.
Virtual Connection Day:
The WeAreRichmondBC partners (the City, Chamber and Tourism Richmond) are working with the BC Tech Association to help small businesses understand and adopt technology for e-commerce, digital marketing and remote working.
There is a Virtual Connection Day coming up on July 30, where businesses can receive virtual 1-1 advice and guidance from a technology expert. The link to apply is
here
.
Emergency Response Centre
Richmond's Emergency Response Centre, which opened in May is continuing to serve individuals experiencing homelessness, averaging just over 20 clients at any time. It is a collaboration between the City, Turning Point Recovery Society, BC Housing and Vancouver Coastal Health.
Resources:
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UPDATE FROM RICHMOND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Matt Pitcairn, President & CEO shared:
- The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) was extended to December - businesses are eagerly awaiting what modifications and requirements will be in place.
- Bill 23 was introduced by the Minister of Labour. The Chamber continues to be mindful of any costs put on employers, ensuring there is a fair balance of costs and responsibilities in this time.
- The 4th Pulse Check survey closed on Monday the 13th.
- The Chamber hosted its annual AGM and Brian Corcoran was elected as Chair, and will now Co-Chair this task force.
- Nominations are open for the 2020 Business Excellence Awards - we really think it's important this year to keep celebrating Richmond businesses that are leading with resilience and keeping folks employed.
Resources:
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UPDATE FROM VANCOUVER AIRPORT AUTHORITY (YVR)
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Anne Murray, YVR's Vice President of Airline Business Development and Public Affairs, shared:
YVR continues to see passenger numbers increase in July. Since start of July YVR has seen additional frequencies with Air Canada and WestJet, as well as YVR's international airline partners such as Lufthansa (3x weekly), United (twice daily) and KLM (3x weekly).
YVR has also worked with its contractors to safely
restart some construction projects
, including our International terminal expansion and CORE project that includes YVR's new geoexchange facility. YVR has also resumed work for the
Templeton Area Redevelopment
and construction of the new Templeton Corridor greenspace adjacent to the Burkeville neighbourhood.
YVR Resources:
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UPDATE FROM TOURISM RICHMOND
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Nancy Small, CEO of Tourism Richmond shared:
Some markets around BC seeing some bookings but it has definitely been a very slow and measured start. So go enjoy Super. Natural BC – but of course be prepared and know before your go.
The US Border has just been confirmed to be closed until August 21.
Tourism Richmond has commenced our restart campaign.
One of our biggest challenges is attracting visitors to come to a more urban environment – so we are really trying to promote Richmond’s open spaces. However the trend we are seeing is that Metro Van residents are heading out of town – rather than many heading into Richmond and Vancouver as they normally do.
A new marketing campaign themed
Travel Afar. Near.
launched in early July and will run through to the end of the year. Media include online, digital advertising via video and display ads, out-of-home advertising, newspaper advertorials, and earned media.
We also started an overnight booking campaign is intended to encourage Metro Vancouver residents to book a staycation in Richmond. Those booking hotel rooms in Richmond will receive incentives.
The
Pacific. Authentic. Locals
program aims to both educate and engage residents on the value of tourism to the city. So test yourself and see how well do you know Richmond? We will include the links in the notes. Take the tests
here
.
Resources:
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Superintendent Will Ng, Officer in Charge for the Ric
hmond RCMP shared that:
- Staff not affected by COVID related sicknesses or self isolation.
- There was a peaceful and physically distanced Justice for Mona Wong rally on July 11th in Minoru Park attended by approx. 50 people for just over an hour. RCMP and Community Ambassadors attended to ensure community safety and physical distancing.
- RCMP is stepping up arson patrols and enforcement from 11 pm & 6 am. There was a deliberately set fire in the area around Granville Francis, No.2 and No. 3 Road
- A fatal crash occurred in east Richmond due to excessive speed. Continuing speed enforcement in the City and especially along Hwy 99.
- Reopen criminal checks to the public for those requiring it.
- Appreciation for Community volunteers at Steveston Community Centre (Drive Through event) on July 15.
Resources:
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UPDATES FROM RICHMOND FIRE RESCUE
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Chief Tim Wilkinson with Richmond shared that:
- We had one exposure to COVID but been medically determined to be able to return to work.
- Emergency operations are at normal levels.
- Richmond public are great offering help, but are immediately concerned with respect to personal safety. RFR is helping them through the VCH system when calls come in.
- Fire Hall 1 is open to the public.
- Building and Business inspections operating well.
- Fire is supporting the City reopening plan.
- Fire continues to run our public education programs virtually through Facebook – new videos are being produced almost weekly with safety messaging. This weeks message focuses on Outdoor fire reduction program Stick it Don’t Flick It! and BBQ safety.
Resources:
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Richmond Chamber of Commerce
604.278.2822
rcc@richmondchamber.ca
www.RichmondChamber.ca
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