District Facilities Update – COVID-19

The District of Mackenzie greatly values the health and safety of our staff and patrons and we want to assure you that we are closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation through the appropriate public health agencies.

This morning, the BC Government directed that all gatherings of 50 or more be cancelled or postponed. Additionally, they are asking that anyone returning from travel outside the country must self-isolate and monitor symptoms for 14 days before returning to work or school.

District operations will continue as usual, however we will be taking precautionary steps to protect users by making adjustments to our cleaning and janitorial standards, placing additional hand sanitizers/wipes throughout the facilities, and continuing to take direction from the Province of BC, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the BC Centre for Disease Control on this issue.

Recreation Centre Operations

As a result of this announcement, all bookings of this size will be cancelled at the Recreation Centre until April 10, 2020. District Recreation Centre staff will be in contact regarding those bookings and a refund will be provided.  Spring Break programs are in full swing, as these programs have less than 25 in attendance.

Additionally, the District will be restricting the Public Swim sessions to 45 patrons, and the upcoming family movie night is cancelled at this time.

We continue to ask anyone who is ill or has flu-like symptoms, including children registered in programs, to please refrain from attending programs or visiting the facilities where possible. Refunds will be available to those registrants unable to attend due to illness.

How You Can Help

The public is reminded to follow the advice from the BC Centre for Disease Control. Please wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unwashed hands;  avoid close contact with people who are unwell; cough and sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve and not your hands; and stay home if you are sick, to avoid spreading illness to others.

What to Do if You Have Flu-Like Symptoms?

If you are unsure about your symptoms or have questions or concerns, contact HealthLink BC at  8-1-1 at any time.

Further Information and COVID-19 Updates

Please visit the following agencies websites for the most recent updates regarding the outbreak and factual information about COVID-19:

• HealthLink BC
• BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
• Public Health Authority of Canada
• World Health Organization
• Northern Health

Northern Health has also launched a COVID-19 Online Clinic and Information Line to help answer questions and concerns from Northern BC residents. The NH COVID-19 Online Clinic and Information Line can be reached at 1-844-645-7811.

The District will ensure to inform residents of any further changes to our services. For further information about District operations and planning regarding COVID-19, please contact:

Emily Kaehn
Acting Director of Corporate Services
Email
250-997-3221