Hey everyone, just passing along that there is more information available from the Province of BC on their YouTube channel and on their website about the BC Vaccine Card.
CLBC COVID-19 Update
Hey everyone, CLBC has sent an update on the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic, which you can read here.
COVID-19 Symptoms and Testing
Hey everyone, we thought we would share this great PDF resource from the BC Centre for Disease Control listing possible symptoms of COVID-19 (thanks, Jackie!). If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed, you can get tested for COVID-19.
The BC CDC website also has more information on COVID-19 symptoms here. If you feel unwell and are unsure about your symptoms, you can always contact your health care provider or call 8-1-1.
Coping with Natural Disaster stress…
Hey everyone, CLBC’s August 27th update had some great information and resources to help cope with stress caused by natural disasters. Wildfires and floods can be a major source of stress and anxiety. If you are feeling stressed or anxious, know that you are not alone. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has a website dedicated to information and resources to help.
There are also free, confidential support and crisis lines available 24/7:
- KUU-US Indigenous line – 1-800-588-8717
- Interior BC Crisis Line – 1-888-353-2273 (chat and text services available)
- Northern BC Crisis Line – 1-888-562-1214
- BC Mental Health Support Line – 310-6789 (no area code required)
- Canadian Mental Health Association location finder
- Find virtual mental health supports available in BC
- BounceBack – a free skill-building program for overcoming low mood, anxiety stress or worry
CLBC Update for Individuals & Families
Hey everyone, CLBC’s update for August 27th is now posted. All CLBC updates are posted on their website here and you can sign up to get updates using the link to the sign up page.
Highlights included this update:
- Government News: BC proof of vaccination requirement starts Sep. 13, masks are mandatory in indoor public spaces, and the Government of Canada has made Sep. 30 a federal statutory holiday (National Day of Truth and Reconciliation)
- Elections Canada: information for people with disabilities (election is Sep. 20)
- WOW Awards: nominations are open until Sep. 9
- Family Support Institute (FSI): list of upcoming free Family Hangouts
- CLBC’s website: helpful information and resources for wildfire preparedness
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): suggestions for dealing with the stress of natural disasters, as well as free, confidential support and crisis lines available 24/7 offering immediate help
COVID-19 and Rapid testing…
The Government of Canada has provided more information about rapid testing for COVID-19. Rapid testing has been an effective tool to curb outbreaks of all kinds. There are now rapid tests approved for use in Canada. They are:
- Easy to administer
- Able to provide results in 15 minutes
- Critical for preventing outbreaks in workplaces with close-contact employees
- Free for select businesses and non-profit organizations
More information about rapid testing can be found here.
COVID-19 vaccinations and second doses…
The Government of Canada has been reminding us that second doses of COVID-19 immunizations are important. Receiving a second vaccine dose for a 2 dose schedule is essential to provide better and longer-term protection against COVID-19 for individuals and for the entire community.
A different vaccine product may be offered for a second dose, which is known as vaccine interchangeability or a ‘mixed vaccine schedule’.
You can find more information about second doses of COVID-19 vaccines here.
EVACUATIONS: Emergency Support Services (ESS)
Hi all, there is a new way to get into contact with Emergency Support Services (ESS) if you are affected by wildfire. You can call 1-833-498-3770 to register and access assistance from Emergency Support Services, such as for lodging and food.
A reminder, too, that the ESS reception centre in the Kelowna area is physically located at 1480 Sutherland Ave.
EVACUATIONS: More orders, more on alert…
Hey everyone, there have been more evacuation orders and more evacuation alerts overnight for the Mount Law wildfire (between West Kelowna and Peachland). Please check the new information (below) and pass it along to anyone affected.
News Release No. 7 Central Okanagan, B.C. — An additional 18 properties in the Regional District of the Central Okanagan and Peachland have been added to the Evacuation Alert area for the Mount Law Fire.
Properties added to the existing alert area are inclusive of 4740 Trepanier Road (northwest end) to 4980 Trepanier Road (southeast end) and include:
- 4850 to 4855 MacKinnon Road
- 4802 to 4995 Trepanier Road
- 4902 to 4975 Star Place
Residents in the Alert areas are advised to be ready to leave their home at a moment’s notice. They should be prepared to be away from their home for an extended period of time, pre-register with ESS online at ess.gov.bc.ca, make arrangements for pets and pack essential items such as medicines and important documents.
The EOC has also expanded an Evacuation Order onto crown land in the southeast corner of the Mount Law fire. This expansion Order does not include any private property. The Gorman Mill site remains under evacuation alert.
All other Evacuation Alerts and Orders remain in effect. For a map of the affected properties in the Central Okanagan, visit cordemergency.ca/map.
ADVISORY: Stay off highways…
Hey everyone, the Ministry of Transportation is urging people to stay off wildfire-affected highways for non-essential travel.
In particular, all major highways into the Thompson/Okanagan are impacted in some way by wildfires. The Ministry says fire conditions are changing quickly, so they cannot guarantee drivers will have advanced notice of any more road closures. In addition, non-essential travel on key roads can get in the way of evacuations.
The Ministry’s update advises that, if you have to travel on Interior highways near wildfires, you should make sure you are prepared for possible delays or closures:
- travel with a full tank of gas
- bring food and water
- carry emergency supplies
You can check out updates on the DriveBC website for the most current road information here.
