The Local Weekly The heart and soul of our communities with news and information about the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast and other communities in the Vancouver Coast and Fraser Health authorities are under a regional order limiting personal interactions to help stem the tide of increasing COVID-19 infections in the area.
Residents are to restrict socializing to involve only members of their own household. People who live alone are to have social contact with only two others. Travel into and out of both regions should be limited to essential travel only.
The order was issued Nov. 7. It is to be in place through to Nov. 23 unless varied by the Provincial Health Authority.
Businesses, recreation centres or other groups that operate indoor physical activities involving several participants must suspend hosting these events. The SCRD has cancelled all indoor fitness classes scheduled during the order period. Gameplay and cohort models for activities like hockey and figure skating are also suspended. Pre-registered drop-in swimming and fitness centre access is still permitted. Individuals must pre-register for these activities at www.scrd.ca/myrecreation.
All businesses and worksites must conduct active daily in-person screening of all onsite workers using the COVID-19 symptom checklist as part of their restart safety plan.
Funerals and weddings may proceed with only members of an immediate household in attendance. Event receptions are not allowed at any location.
The District of Sechelt has cancelled all bookings at Rockwood Lodge and Mission Point House for the period of the order. Impacted parties should contact the District office regarding refunds.
All local governments will be considering the impacts of the order on their operations and advising the public on additional adjustments. The SCRD has been planning to assemble its elected officials in person at its Field Road office on Nov. 12 to conduct balloting for board elections and a board meeting.
There was confusion about the applicability of the order to the Sunshine Coast. In a Nov. 7 televised press conference, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the restrictions for the two health authority areas. In a subsequent posting on the province’s website, the Sunshine Coast was listed amongst the “exempt communities.” Later that day, the posting was amended to include the Coast under the restrictions. Exemptions have been provided for the Central Coast Regional District, Bella Coola Valley and Hope areas.
Connie Jordison
