The City of Parksville is asking residents to continue complying with provincial health orders, including keeping a physical distance of two metres away from others when in public.
In a news release, the city thanked residents for taking proactive actions to help stop the spread of COVID-19 while supporting the community during this challenging time.
The presence of staff at local parks and public spaces throughout the city has been increased to remind the public to follow physical distancing requirements.
With the weather projected to stay warm and sunny, the city encourages all residents to remain committed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure public spaces remain open to be enjoyed while following the rules.
READ MORE: Parksville residents get extension on utility bills
Here’s what you can do:
• Stay home as much as possible. Avoid non-essential trips and when you do go out, practise physical distancing, especially in grocery stores or other indoor spaces.
• Walk in your neighbourhood or choose trails that are less popular and avoid going out at peak times when parks and trails are busy. Walk in single file when approaching people coming towards you to ensure proper distancing.
• Follow proper hygiene as directed – wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face and cough into your sleeve or tissue.
• Practise social distancing by socializing virtually; there are many options to connect virtually with others.
• Do not go out in public if you sick or returning from a trip.
• Limit your contact with people who are higher risk such as those with health conditions or older.
• Should you see others not complying with the public health officer’s orders should report as follows: City of Parksville bylaw@parksville.ca, 250-954-4650; Island Health HPES.Parksville@viha.ca, 250-947-8222.
Here’s what the city is proactively doing:
• Utility payments have been deferred to June 30.
• City offices are closed to the public and city meetings are closed to attendance by the public. Meetings may be viewed from webstreaming, live or archived.
• In partnership with the Town of Qualicum Beach, we are operating a Level 2 Emergency Operation Centre to ensure a co-ordinated response and continued delivery of services.
• All playgrounds in the city are closed and Community Park sports fields, racquet courts, lacrosse box and skateboard park are closed. Springwood Park sports fields, tennis courts, batting cage and off-leash dog park are closed to use by the public.
• Washrooms in Foster Park, Community Park and Springwood Park remain open with reduced hours of 7:30 a.m. to dusk, in order to support additional sanitization efforts.
• Remote access has been provided to key staff allowing them to work productively from home.
Garage Sales
Spring cleaning and annual garage sales go together; however, garage sales should not be held nor should you attend garage sales when COVID-19 orders are in place.
Garage sales are inconsistent with provincial orders to practise physical distancing, to stay at home and to restrict non-essential travel. During COVID-19, common sense rules apply to garage sales and buying and selling individual items online for pickup also has risks as there is no way to know if the seller has been exposed to COVID-19.
Signup for Emergency Management Oceanside Enews
Emergency Management Oceanside is a partnership between the City of Parksville and Town of Qualicum Beach to provide emergency support and disaster service to residents of the Parksville-Qualicum Beach area. Sign up at EmergencyOceanside.ca.
— NEWS Staff, submitted
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
