Your EMO eNews
February 16, 2021
VIRTUAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS WORKSHOP - MARCH 4
Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility that begins with a plan and being prepared to look after yourself, your family and your pets for a minimum of one week. We encourage residents to join emergency preparedness coordinators from Parksville and Qualicum Beach on Thursday, March 4 at 1.30 pm for a Zoom workshop which will help better prepare yourself, your family and your business in the event of an emergency or disaster incident.

Please RSVP to info@emergencyoceanside.ca if you wish to participate. We will confirm your space and then a few days before the meeting, will send Zoom instructions by email. The meeting is a closed event; however, your screen name will be visible to the other participants. 
The ongoing pandemic reminds us of the importance of personal preparedness and that having a plan is critical to protect ourselves and our families. While we continue to physically distance and spend more time at home, there’s an opportunity to build emergency preparedness plans to fit our individual personal needs. We hope this workshop will help raise awareness and offer information and tips to help prepare businesses, individuals and families for the possibility of an emergency.
 
To join, you will need a computer with an internet connection and can join the meeting in the following ways:
  • Computer with camera and microphone – click the link provided.
  • Computer with camera and no microphone – click link and call the phone number provided.
  • Computer with no camera or no microphone – call the phone number provided.
 
If you have a specific subject you wish included in the presentation or questions you would like answered, please send them to info@emergencyoceanside.ca and we will do our best. We look forward to connecting with you, virtually!

COVID-19 UPDATE
COVID-19 Immunization Plan
BC's immunization plan is scheduled to occur in four phases through September with eligibility based on your age in 2021. The timeline for each phase may change due to vaccine availability and everyone in BC recommended to receive the vaccine will have the opportunity to get it in 2021. Please refer to gov.bc.ca/COVID19 for the most up-to-date information.

Phase 1 through February 2021
  • Residents and staff of long-term care facilities.
  • Individuals assessed for and awaiting long-term care.
  • Residents and staff of assisted living residences.
  • Essential visitors to long-term care facilities and assisted living residences.
  • Hospital health care workers who may provide care for COVID-19 patients in settings like Intensive Care Units, emergency departments, paramedics, medical units and surgical units.
  • Remote and isolated Indigenous communities.
 
Phase 2 - February to March
  • Seniors aged 80 and over not immunized in Phase 1.
  • Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) seniors age 65 and over, Elders and additional Indigenous communities not immunized in Phase 1.
  • Hospital staff, community general practitioners and medical specialists not immunized in Phase 1.
  • Vulnerable populations living and working in select congregated settings.
  • Staff in community home support and nursing services for seniors.

Phase 3 - April to June                  
People aged 79 to 60, in five-year increments as well as those 16 to 69 who are considered clinically extremely vulnerable.
 
Phase 4 - July to September       
People aged 59 to 18, in five-year increments: 
There are three steps as part of the immunization process, outlined here:
 
STEP 1: Pre-registration - when you pre-register, you select your preferred method of communication. This is how you will be contacted to reserve an appointment. You can pre-register two to four weeks before eligible to reserve an appointment. Eligibility is based on your phase and age, working backwards in five-year increments. Pre-registration opens March 2021. There will be two options to pre-register, online and by phone.
 
STEP 2: Appointment reservation - when contacted to reserve a vaccine appointment, you must complete a pre-screening and select a location, date and time. This can be done online or by phone.
 
STEP 3: Appointment day - come prepared to your appointment and arrive a few minutes before your scheduled time. At the immunization clinic you will complete a check-in process, get your vaccine dose and wait in an observation area for about 15 minutes.
 
Getting the second dose - people who get their first vaccine dose will be notified by email, text message or phone call when they are eligible to book an appointment for the second dose.
Province-wide restrictions remain in place until further notice
Your actions are helping to keep our businesses and schools open, and our hospitals and communities safe. Thank you for continuing to do your part in keeping our community safe and helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
  • Middle and secondary school students are required to wear a mask in all indoor areas.
  • Masks are required in all public indoor settings and workplaces.
  • Spend time with those in your household or core bubble only.
  • Explore close to home and avoid non-essential travel
  • Enjoy a walk or hike with a friend, but do not gather outdoors.
MUNICIPAL MESSAGES
Town of Qualicum Beach
Town Hall remains open to the public Monday to Friday, 9 am to 1 pm (except statutory holidays). Town staff are available via email or phone until 4 pm, Monday to Friday.

While we are happy to help in person where needed, we encourage you to conduct business remotely where possible. You can contact us via any of the following methods:
  • Email                      qbtown@qualicumbeach.com
  • Phone                    250 752-6921
  • Post                        PO Box 130, Qualicum Beach V9K 1S7
  • Mail Slot              Out front of Town Hall, nearest the fountain
City of Parksville
City in-person services during the COVID-19 pandemic are limited to payments of tickets/licence fees and the purchase of bus passes, with all other City business by appointment and no walk-in services. To book an appointment, call 250 248-6144 or refer to website contact info. Finance is open Monday to Friday, 9 am to noon and 1 pm to 3 pm. Please note, entry is from Jensen Avenue East. Masks are mandatory when at City Hall and visitors will be asked to provide information for contact tracing.

STAY INFORMED
We will keep you informed of any changes to how the Town of Qualicum Beach and the City of Parksville operate as this pandemic evolves. City staff and elected officials are practicing physical distance and sanitizing protocols and many services continue to be available by phone, email and online, please refer to your municipality for contact information. Health-related information is available from:
Follow Emergency Management Oceanside
For more information:
Rob Daman
Emergency Program Coordinator

Aaron Dawson
Emergency Program Coordinator

Deb Tardiff
Manager of
Communications