In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Quesnel is closing many of its public facilities today (Monday, March 16), including the West Fraser Centre and the Arts and Recreation Centre.
The City announced Monday that following the recommendation from the provincial medical health officer to cancel all gatherings of greater than 50 people, the City will be closing several civic facilities.
The West Fraser Centre is closing Monday, March 16 at 5 p.m., while the Arts and Recreation Centre will close March 16 at 6 p.m. Staff at the Arts and Recreation Centre will be calling individuals who are registered in cancelled programs with more information, according to the City’s website.
Arena 2 had already closed early for the winter season on Saturday, March 14.
“This is in response to the cancellation of events and other bookings due to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19),” stated the City. “The early closure will include all public drop-in skating programs, including public skating.”
At this time, the Quesnel and District Museum and Archives and its gift shop will remain closed, and all programs at the museum are cancelled.
The Quesnel Regional Airport remains in normal operations, and the City’s public washrooms at the Spirit Centre remain in normal operations at this time.
“The City of Quesnel is closely monitoring the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation in British Columbia,” the City states on its website. “The health and safety of the public and City staff is our top priority. The City of Quesnel continues to work with internal and external partners, including our local health authority, Northern Health, on a proactive approach to deal with COVID-19.”
In response to COVID-19, the City is reviewing all events and programs, cancelling or postponing all gatherings with 50 or more people, increasing cleaning protocols at all City of Quesnel facilities, posting signage at all facilities to remind members of the public and staff to stay away if they are feeling sick, asking City employees to stay home if they feel unwell and requiring City employees who have travelled outside Canada to stay home on a mandatory two-week self-quarantine.
As well, the City says it is working to ensure core City services — such as water, sewer, police, and fire — are maintained; is ensuring “business critical staff” have the right tools should they need to work from home, and is working with the business community to assess and understand the economic impact and potential strategies.
For more information, visit quesnel.ca/our-community/news-notices/covid-19-coronavirus-information.
As well, on Monday, the District of Wells posted a public notice that in light of the COVID-19, the District is closing public access to all municipal buildings, including the District office, which will be accessible by appointment only made through email or telephone.
“District staff will continue to keep the community updated on when public facilities and services will re-open,” the notice states. “We will also keep you posted on when regular council meetings will resume.”
READ MORE: Three more COVID-19 deaths at B.C. care home, as number of cases grows to 103
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