UPDATES FROM TASK FORCE CHAIRS
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This morning, our Richmond COVID-19 Community Task Force (RCCTF) hosted its fourth teleconference meeting.
This week, the task force continued to share vital information across agencies. We are very happy to see that BC is flattening the curve. All of our efforts are having the desired effects.
Thank you for the efforts you are making in your own life and business. Together, we are saving lives. We look forward to the day that we can begin our recovery.
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Task Force Co-Chairs:
Fan Chun (Chair, Richmond Chamber of Commerce) and Mayor Malcolm Brodie (City of Richmond)
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UPDATE FROM VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH
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Dr. Meena Dawar, Medical Health Officer with Vancouver Coastal Health shared:
- Flattening the Curve: The number of new cases being reported on a daily basis is declining. VCH can confirm that the curve has been flattened. Time will tell if the curve is on the downturn.
- Increased Testing: The province has thus loosened the testing criteria so that physicians can test individuals based on their clinical judgement. Testing capability in rural, remote and First Nations communities is also being improved.
- Update on Numbers: Nearly 1500 lab confirmed cases were reported provincially as of yesterday, with 650 cases in VCH. People most vulnerable to severe illness including medically frail elderly, who for the most part live in Long Term Care Facilities.
- Case Rate by Jurisdiction: The publicly posted COVID rates by jurisdiction, though slightly outdated, does demonstrate a very different COVID outbreak experience in BC compared to many other jurisdictions.
Resources:
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UPDATE FROM THE CITY OF RICHMOND
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The general situations is much the same this week, with City Hall, facilities, and non-essential services closed. Meetings are being held remotely and have reduced in number.
Parks remain open but people are to physically distance and we are getting good cooperation.
Challenges this week are primarily finances. This week, many more meetings will be held and discussions between local government / Province / Federal Government. The open question is: what tools will the cities/regions be given to cope with loss of revenues?
#RichmondHasHeart: Share uplifting news, cheer on our front line and essential workers, and show support for your community using the hashtag #RichmondHasHeart. We'll be sharing stories, videos and photos on our channels in the coming days and weeks ahead.
Bylaw Enforcement: There was another bust of masks being sold second-hand – the vendor was issued a $1000 ticket and has surrendered the 3,000 masks. The masks are put in a registry for use by the province.
Virtual COVID-19 Business Support Centre: The City of Richmond has launched a virtual COVID-19 Business Support Centre in order to provide a centralized source of accurate and timely information for local businesses who are being impacted by the current pandemic.
The Support Centre will provide information related to:
- City services and initiatives
- Support programs and resources developed specifically for businesses by all levels of government and other agencies
Businesses can access the COVID-19 Business Support Centre by:
#FoodShare Pledge: The City continues to work with partner Food Mesh on expanding the Richmond Food Recovery Network. The web and app-based exchange platform creates an online network where Richmond‑based food businesses and farmers with surplus food can either donate or sell it to charities, farmers or businesses that can use it. The goal is to generate an additional 10,000 meals throughout the month of April for residents in need .
Learn More & Take the Pledge
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UPDATE FROM RICHMOND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Matt Pitcairn, president & CEO of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce shared that:
The Chamber is following very closely the legislation that is being passed by Ottawa, including when these supports will be in place for businesses. The two biggest needs we are hearing from businesses right now are rent relief or property tax deferrals. Revenues are down or non-existent, but these organizations still have bills that need to be paid. Unfortunately, May 1st may be the last day of business for many small businesses across Canada without support.
The Chamber has been working with colleagues in Tourism Richmond and the Economic Development Office and are in the early stages of creating a new platform to streamline information and become a one-stop-shop for information within the business community. This would be outwardly focused and pool information in one portal.
RCC has three events coming up:
Resources:
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UPDATE FROM VANCOUVER AIRPORT AUTHORITY (YVR)
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Craig Richmond, President and CEO of Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR) shared:
YVR continues to see declining passenger numbers given COVID-19 travel restrictions. The Airport Authority initially forecasted a 40-50% decline in annual traffic but is continuing to adapt its forecast as the crisis continues and more information becomes available.
YVR is working closely with its airport partners to address the ongoing pandemic:
- YVR is helping its airline partners manage current schedules changes, while also looking ahead at how the airport can support the industry’s recovery planning.
- YVR is coordination with Emergency Management BC and federal agencies to ensure the seamless implementation of the Province’s new COVID-19 screening process that requires all passengers arriving from outside of Canada to have a self-isolation plan in place.
The Airport Authority continues to reduce expenditures and consolidate its resources to ensure YVR weathers the crisis. This includes consolidating all domestic airlines check-in to the international terminal, moving international passenger pre-board screening to the C-Pier gates, and closing additional international and domestic aircraft gates.
Resources:
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UPDATE FROM RICHMOND SCHOOL DISTRICT 38
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Scott Robinson, Superintendent of Schools for SD 38 shared that there are three main areas of focus:
1. Childcare for Essential Services Workers
We’ve offered placements to all Tier One ESW’s as well as the majority of Tier Two. By the end of today we will have offered a placement to every family that applied for assistance for children aged 5-12
Currently have just under 30 students attending onsite care at one of our school-sites. We think those numbers may double this week as we offer placements to more families so we’ll likely be looking at expanding into a fourth site at Garden City
2. Supporting Vulnerable Families
The school district is continuing to work in collaboration with the Richmond Food Bank, Richmond Food Security Society and Save-On Foods to prepare weekly hampers. This past week – we prepared and delivered approximately 250 food hampers to families around the district – will be doing that again this week. We will have a link up on our website by this Friday for anyone wanting to make a financial donation to the food program.
3. Continuity of Instruction for all Students
Learning Opportunities at home began last week for the great majority of students. We anticipate that it will take a while for families to get settled into a routine that works for them – we’re encouraging parents and older students to reach out directly to teachers if they need additional help so adjustments can be made. We are about to start the process of lending out over 800 district owned devices such as iPads.
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UPDATE FROM TOURISM RICHMOND
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Nancy Small, CEO of Tourism Richmond shared that:
- Tourism Richmond has been working with Destination BC to keep up the message that this is not the time to travel. We saw over the weekend a lot of people making the right choice not to travel. The results were quite positive in that regard.
- Weekly communications go out to stakeholders to connect them with resources and help them navigate all of the information and resources.
- Metro Vancouver Task Force: this is a pivotal week for this group as we will be starting to get our key messages out to the public. Emphasizing the need for support of the industry – both now (in the response phase) and in the future (restart and recovery phase).
Resources:
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UPDATES FROM RICHMOND'S MLAs
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Richmond's four MLAs, Jas Johal, Linda Reid, John Yap, and Teresa Wat shared some of their recent work:
- Vancouver Coastal Health Authority is hosting a town hall this Friday at 7:15pm, moderated by MLA John Yap and MLA Bowinn Ma. Details TBC.
- Commercial rent relief is a big issue for many local constituents.
- Richmond Cares Richmond Gives has been appointed as one of the 24 agencies in BC – any senior who wants to sign up for non-medical help can call 211 or visit 211.ca.
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Superintendent Will Ng, Officer in Charge for the Richmond RCMP shared that:
- Crime and call volume are generally down for the Richmond RCMP
- Patrols and visibility have been increased at commercial businesses, YVR, the City and Sea Island.
- Speeds have increased on some main arteries and the RCMP is going to be increasing visibility of officers to reduce speeds, injuries, and fatalities.
- The RCMP is working with Richmond Fire Rescue to investigate a series of arsons in trash cans and shrubs.
Resources:
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UPDATES FROM RICHMOND FIRE RESCUE
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Chief Tim Wilkinson with Richmond shared that:
- Richmond Fire Rescue is responding to only the most serious medical calls.
- Local traffic accidents have been more severe lately
- Richmond Fire Rescue is looking to re-start inspection programs in a safe manner, beginning with the highest risk areas.
Resources:
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Richmond Chamber of Commerce
604.278.2822
rcc@richmondchamber.ca
www.RichmondChamber.ca
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