2020 COVID-19 Outbreak

View our “Neighbourhood Pandemic Resource Guide“

As you are aware, there is currently a COVID-19 outbreak in British Columbia. It has been declared a global pandemic and has spread to 162 countries infecting 180,000+ people. 

There are currently cases all over British Columbia and Canada. The Government of Canada our Provincial Health Authority are working together to slow the pandemic.

What do you need to know?

Prevention

The most important thing you can do to prevent infection is to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.

Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (this includes kitchen & bathroom counters, phones, toys and door handles!).

Avoid large groups and crowds. Avoid hugs and handshakes. Practice social distancing (6ft). Work from home if you can. Commute at off-peak times if you can. Opt to exercise outdoors instead of indoors. Avoid grocery shopping at peak times (or order groceries online). We can mitigate risk to each other (and our most vulnerable populations) by practicing all of the above.

Self-separate from the community if you are at higher risk (or live with those at higher risk). This includes older adults, those who are immunocompromised, those with chronic underlying medical conditions; and those more likely to develop respiratory issues or pneumonia.

If you get sick

Use the online BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool to help determine if you need further assessment or testing for COVID-19.  You can complete this assessment for yourself, or on behalf of someone else, if they are unable to.

If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19 (for example, dry cough or fever), please stay home, and isolate for 14 days. COVID-19 presents as a mild illness in the majority of patients; testing is not recommended for those who have mild respiratory symptoms. 

If respiratory symptoms worsen, please call 811 or your family physician. Note: 8-1-1 is experiencing heavy call volumes and will get to your call as quickly as possible. 

If you are having severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, please call 911. 

You must limit contact with others:

  • Do not leave home unless absolutely necessary, such as to seek medical care.
  • Do not go to school, work, other public areas or use public transportation.
  • Arrange to have groceries and supplies dropped off at your door to minimize contact.
  • Stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom from others in your home, if possible.
  • If you have to be in contact with others, keep at least 2 metres (6-7 feet) between yourself and the other person. Keep interactions brief and wear a mask.
  • Avoid contact with individuals with chronic conditions, compromised immune systems and older adults.  
  • Avoid contact with pets if you live with other people that may also be touching the pet.

For more information, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/covid-19-how-to-isolate-at-home.html

Travel

An official global travel advisory is in effect: Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices/221

Effective March 18, 2020 at noon, Canada is closing its border to most non-citizens. All people except Canadian citizens, legal permanent residents, and US citizens will be denied entry.

Mandatory Isolation

If you’ve recently returned from out-of-control travel, you must self-isolate for 14 days (even if you don’t have symptoms). Monitor your health for fever, cough or difficulty breathing.

If you have recently returned from Italy, Iran, or China, you are also required to notify 811 within 24 hours of arrival.

Self-isolation includes: not being out in public, not leaving home unless travelling to medical care, separate bedroom & bathroom from your family, wearing a mask when interacting with others, and avoiding interactions with anyone that is high risk.

COVID-19 Awareness in our Community

Neighbour Check-In’s

If you’re healthy and well, please check in with your neighbours (phone only please) — especially those who are elderly, immunocompromised or may need an extra hand. Whether it be grabbing groceries, lending personal care items, or just offering some support, we’re all way better off if we rally together!

If you know of a neighbour who need a bit of extra support (groceries, prescriptions, etc), please give one of our Neighbourhood Coordinators a phone call.

Bluewater COVID-19 Coordinators

Judy 604-947-0343

Diane 604-861-7334

From there, we’ll work together as a neighbourhood and team to respectfully help out each family. If you would like to be part of our Bluewater Errands Crew, please contact us.

Worried about a neighbour?

If you are concerned about a neighbour (in any capacity), please give them a call. If you do not hear from them, try to see if you can find out if fellow neighbours have seen/heard from them. Please do not enter their home. 

If you believe a neighbour is in danger, please call RCMP / 911.

Neighbours in Isolation

A number of our neighbours are currently self-isolating due to either:

  • recent out of country travel;
  • living with someone who’s been travelling out of country;
  • being elderly;
  • being immunocompromised; or
  • currently ill.

If out in the community, please be mindful and respectful to people’s space and privacy and maintain the social distancing requirement of 2m (6-7 ft).

We have created signage for our community to use on their front doors. They are education focused and completely optional to use. There is one for those with a weak immune system, those that have recently returned from out-of-country, those in isolation, and those practicing social distancing.

To download:

Bluewater Little Library / Pop-up Food Bank

Our little library has been cleared out of books and changed to a ‘pop up’ food bank. Please feel free to drop off donations and/or collect pantry items if you are in need.

We hope to have the little library on a temporary bookshelf in the carport in a few days so we can continue to share books. Keep an eye out for that change!

You can find the ‘pop up’ food bank (and soon-to-be new library) next to the bus stop & mailboxes on Spyglass Road.

Additional Resources

Three trustworthy sources of information: