City & ACRD Cancelling Large Gatherings

Further to the BC Health Officer directing cancellation of all gatherings larger than 250 people, the City of Port Alberni will be cancelling any events of 250 or more guests effective immediately, until further notice. The City encourages all event organizers renting City facilities to follow this same recommendation from the province. The Sunshine Club has made the decision to suspend all activities, programs, meetings and events effective Monday, March 16, 2020.

The Provincial Health Officer is recommending against all non-essential travel outside of Canada, including to the United States. Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer advises to postpone or cancel all non-essential travel outside of Canada.

We are continuing to monitor the impacts of COVID-19  globally, nationally and locally and are proactively preparing for 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.