The Nelson Star is providing readers with all the latest news related to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak and how it affects our community. Check this page regularly for updated content.
• ‘We are working the front lines’: Behind the till with a Nelson grocery store employee
A union rep at Save-On-Foods talks about life in the aisles during a pandemic.
• Granite Point plans to open May 4
Balfour, Castlegar and Rossland golf courses are also set to open.
• Shambhala, Kaslo Jazz Fest postponed to 2021
Nelson’s Pride Parade has also been pushed back to next year.
• Grad celebrations cancelled in School District 8
No cap and gown ceremonies will be held this summer at Kootenay Lake schools.
• How to have a baby in Nelson during a pandemic
It’s still happening at hospitals, but with a number of changes.
• From classroom to the living room: Nelson homeschooler has advice for parents
Teresa Wiedrick has already learned what many parents are trying to work out during the pandemic.
• Camp site for homeless in Nelson to open next to Civic Centre
The city-authorized site will offer a safe place for people to self-isolate.
• Nelson asks RDCK to lift ban on yard and construction waste at Grohman transfer station
The RDCK says the ban is temporary and necessary to deal with COVID-19.
• Nelson Hydro adapts to COVID-19 with breaks for customers
No late fees or disconnections, and payments more flexible.
• Shambhala Music Festival not offering ticket refunds
The festival says it will make tickets redeemable if this year’s dates are postponed.
• VIDEO: Nelson rappers release song ‘COVID-19’
TV Legends includes Taylor Pritchard, Charlie Garton and Akailah Yocom.
• Nelson’s downtown markets to go ahead, but with changes
“People recognize the need for local food.”
• Nelson residents arrive home from quarantine in Peru
Greg Smith, Laurel Conley and Veronica Holman were travelling in Peru before the COVID-19 pandemic.
• BC Housing enlists Nelson hotels, Kalein Centre for COVID-19 isolation spaces
The service is for people either at-risk of or currently homeless.
• Schools re-open in Nelson and Creston, but only for children of front-line workers
School District 8 is providing on-site education for certain families during the pandemic.
• COVID-19 leaves Nelson couple with devastating choice
Sebastien De Marre and Marie-Paule Brisson won’t leave their foster children behind in Haiti.
• Regional District of Central Kootenay changes services due to COVID-19
Building inspections and GIS services are some of the services impacted.
• Selkirk College starts COVID-19 emergency fund for students
The college has set aside up to $30,000 in matching funds for donations.
• As Nelson hotels close, some try to stay open without guests
Vacancies are there, even for people who need to self-isolate.
• Education, not enforcement: B.C. bylaw officers keeping a watch on physical distancing
We examined how Nelson and cities across B.C. are monitoring public places.
• Slocan Valley craft distiller wading through obstacles to help fight COVID-19
Kootenay Country Craft Distillery says it isn’t so easy to make hand sanitizer.
• Selkirk College gives back during COVID-19 crisis
Two staff members have been making deliveries to students.
• Emergency dental clinic to open in Nelson
New clinic will handle only serious cases of pain, infection, or trauma.
• West Kootenay transfer stations and landfills will take essential garbage only during pandemic
The RDCK is restricting access to protect its employees and the public from COVID-19.
• Burning ban issued for Nelson area
All open burning is prohibited to reduce COVID-19 respiratory risk.
• Kootenay program encourages gardeners to share what they grow during pandemic
Free vegetable seeds are being sent out across the region.
• West Kootenay residents stranded in Peru seek a way home
“I am afraid of getting sick, afraid of how long I am going to be here.”
• Who needs Amazon? Nelson businesses stay afloat with local deliveries
These store owners are trying to get by while shops are closed.
• Kootenay doctor mobilizes engineers in effort to bolster PPE supply
Michael Vance wants 3D printers to make needed supplies.
• Nelson council commits to 0% tax increase for 2020
Savings will mitigate the effects of COVID-19.
• Nelson CARES in need of medical supplies
Stepping Stones shelter remains open, but staff are running short on personal protective equipment.
• Salmo woman starts Facebook group to organize mask-makers
Jessica Mitchell wants to provide supplies for first responders and essential care workers.
• Why isn’t the Nelson Star reporting the locations of COVID-19 cases?
It’s our most frequent question from readers.
• Air Canada cuts all flights in and out of Castlegar
Last week it was announced that flights to and from Vancouver would be cut. Now it’s Calgary too.
• West Kootenay lawyers weigh in on province-wide court shutdown
Only urgent matters will be heard, and for Kootenay cases, that will be in Kelowna.
• UPDATED: West Kootenay trails closed by outbreak
The trails so far include spots near Nelson, Castlegar, Rossland, Nakusp and Creston.
• Nelson parks to stay open for now
Len MacCharles says city staff will monitor how residents use the parks.
• RDCK cuts proposed 2020 tax increase by half
The regional district gave its budget a rethink after the outbreak.
• Selkirk College curtails operations with move to alternative delivery
Most services within buildings are now unavailable.
• RDCK takes measures to protect onsite waste and recycling staff
Free tipping fees are being rolled out across the district.
• COVID-19: Visitation limits in place at all Interior Health sites
Essential visits are limited to end-of-life situations and caregivers.
A doctor in the city says there are cases. Interior Health is also investigating a long-term care facility
• Ymir’s Tiny Lights Festival postponed to 2021
The annual music festival may be the first in a number of summer events postponed in B.C.
• Selkirk College student housing to remain open, with precautions
The college has 200 students in buildings located in Nelson and Castlegar.
• Nelson city hall remains open but with changes
The doors are closed but ways to do business by phone or email have been enhanced.
• Nelson dentist petitions province to order shut-down of all dental offices
David Alfaro says the recommendation of the dental college does not go far enough and he wants a government-ordered shutdown.
• Nelson soup kitchen forced to close its doors, serve guests outside
Our Daily Bread needs volunteers and donations.
• Nelson grocers: ‘We’re not going to run out of food’
The Star interviewed the managers of the four major grocery stores in Nelson.
• Selkirk College suspends in-person classes
Students are being told to stay home while staff figure out how to keep teaching.
• Recreation facilities shut down by Regional District of Central Kootenay
The Nelson and District Community Complex, the Nelson Civic Area and the Nelson Civic Theatre are all closing.
• RED Mountain to close in response to COVID-19 pandemic
The Rossland resort said the decision “has not been made lightly.”
• Whitewater Ski Resort closes due to COVID-19 outbreak
The resort had initially planned to stay open, but changed direction two days later.
• COVID-19 testing available in Nelson
But only for people with specific symptoms and risk factors.
• Shambhala, Kaslo Jazz festivals to go on despite coronavirus outbreak
Major music events are set to continue, but local venues in the city are suspending operations.
• KIJHL cancels playoffs, Leafs’ season is over
Nelson had its red-hot playoff run ended prematurely as the league scrapped its schedule.
• Coronavirus spread prompts Selkirk College letter to students
Classes continue at Selkirk College campuses, but students are being told to stay home if they feel sick.
• B.C. Seniors Advocate: care homes well equipped to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks
Isobel Mackenzie says facilities like Nelson Jubilee Manor are capable of containing the virus.
• School District 8 cancels student trips to Italy due to coronavirus outbreak
The trips were supposed to happen over spring break.
• As the coronavirus spreads, a Nelson man waits to return to China
Marc Savard, who teaches in Wuhan, left the city just as the outbreak began
Black Press is also providing extensive coverage of the outbreak. Click here to see every related story from across B.C. and Canada.
Have a story tip related to the coronavirus? Email editor@nelsonstar.com or call us at 250-352-1890.
