City & ACRD COVID-19 Update

Port Alberni, BC – The BC Health Officer has directed the cancellation of all gatherings larger than 250 people.

On Saturday March 14, 2020 the BC Health Officer provided an update indicating that there are nine new cases of COVID-19, bringing the province’s total to 73. None of the new cases are in the Vancouver Island Health Authority.

We continue to monitor the global, national, and local impacts of COVID-19 and are proactively preparing for any foreseeable potential impacts. Residents are reminded and encouraged to take the following steps to stay healthy and prevent the spread of infections by:

• washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
• avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands;
• avoiding close contact with people who are sick;
• cough or sneeze into your sleeve and not your hands;
• staying home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others;
• social distancing (avoiding crowded places and non-essential gatherings, no handshakes)

Residents are requested to contact HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 if they may have been exposed to COVID-19 to arrange for safe testing.